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Officials said the river contains large deposits of sand, allowing water to flow downstream without adequate retention, prompting the administration to identify the stretch as a suitable location. Ballari : In a bid to improve groundwater levels amid recurring rainfall deficits, the district administration is planning to construct subsurface check dams across rivers, lakes and streams in Ballari. Officials believe the initiative could help recharge aquifers, expand water availability and provide relief to the agriculture sector, which has been hit by erratic rainfall and a growing extent of dry land. Rainfall shortages have affected both farming activities and daily life, with falling groundwater levels making it increasingly difficult for farmers to protect crops during prolonged dry spells. The proposed project aims to retain moisture around rivers, lakes and streams, enhance groundwater recharge and support agricultural operations. Unlike conventional check dams that store water on the surface and help prevent soil erosion, subsurface check dams are built beneath riverbeds. Sand is excavated down to the rock layer, following which the trench is filled and compacted with clay. The underground barrier slows the movement of water through the sand, enabling it to remain below ground for a longer period and improving groundwater levels in nearby areas. The Vedavathi River in the Hagari region of Ballari taluk is being considered for the district’s first such project.
Work is currently under way to identify suitable locations for 15 subsurface check dams across the district. Officials said the proposed 15 projects could cost between Rs 40 crore and Rs 50 crore. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
Zilla panchayat CEO Mohammed Harris Sumeer said the final decision would depend on project cost, technical design and availability of funds. The deputy commissioner, zilla panchayat CEO and farmer leaders have already held discussions with govt engineers from Andhra Pradesh, where similar projects have been executed successfully. The deliberations focused on design parameters, technical feasibility, estimated expenditure and other aspects. If govt approval is secured, work on the Vedavathi River project is expected to begin soon. Each check dam is estimated to take about a month to complete. Subject to approvals and fund allocation, construction at multiple sites could be completed within the next five months. Download the TOI App.