Upper Bhadra Project Water Released to Chitradurga Canal in Key Irrigation Milestone

In a major development for central Karnataka's agricultural landscape, a trial run releasing three TMC of water from the Bhadra reservoir into the Chitradurga Branch Canal was officially launched under the Upper Bhadra Project. Elected representatives and irrigation officials gathered at the intake point on the Bhadra reservoir and the Shanthipura pumphouse in Tarikere taluk to press the start button and initiate the water flow toward drought-prone agricultural regions. The Upper Bhadra Project is designed to cater to the critical irrigation and drinking water demands of 12 drought-affected taluks spread across Chitradurga, Tumakuru, Chikkamagaluru, and Davanagere districts. The initiative aims to irrigate over 2.25 lakh hectares of farmland while filling 367 major irrigation tanks. Local leaders noted that bringing Bhadra river waters to central Karnataka addresses a long-standing struggle of local farming communities who have faced persistent dry spells and declining groundwater levels. Officials stated that ensuring steady canal water flow will boost crop yields and protect agrarian livelihoods across the region.