Dharwad: Hubballi-based Akka Foundation Trust has urged Centre to reject the proposed Bedthi–Varada river-linking project, warning of potentially irreversible environmental, ecological and socio-economic consequences.
Trust chief Veerappa Arakeri said the appeal followed Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar’s Sept 22 visit to New Delhi, where he reportedly sought Union minister’s approval for the river diversion. Foundation said it could affect 500–600 acres of forest land, with some estimates putting the requirement at 750 acres, and threaten 17,421 plant species and about 420 animal and bird species through habitat destruction and fragmentation. Estimated to cost around Rs 3,000 crore, the project reportedly involves dams across Holage stream in Sirsi, Shalmala River and Bedthi River in Yellapur. The proposed diversion of 18.5 cumecs would feed Varada and subsequently Tungabhadra River system, benefiting parts of Gadag, Haveri and Raichur districts.
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Foundation said the project could affect farmers, fisheries, forest-dependent communities and traditional livelihoods, besides damaging aquatic ecosystems and cultural heritage. Trust, which is spearheading the ‘Save Western Ghats’ campaign, submitted representations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Jal Shakti minister CR Patil seeking denial of approval. The project envisages diverting water from Bedthi River in Western Ghats to east-flowing Varada River. Trust warned that large-scale excavation and construction could destabilise Western Ghats, increasing landslide and soil erosion risks. Bedthi receives most of its water during the July-Sept monsoon, raising concerns about availability for local communities during the remaining months. It reiterated opposition to the proposed Aghanashini–Vedavathi diversion project. Questioning costly diversion projects while water-management issues at Tungabhadra dam remained unresolved, Trust urged Centre to prioritise ecological protection and local interests. Download the TOI App.
Earlier public meetings at Swarnavalli, attended by Gangadharendra Saraswati Mahaswami, raised concerns about land submergence and effects on agriculture and fishing communities.