The Bhadra Command Area Development Authority (CADA) has approved the release of Bhadra waters for summer cultivation, with flows due to begin through the left bank canal from Saturday 3 January and through the right bank canal from 8 January. The committee decided the supply will be available for 120 days to meet agricultural water requirements across the command area.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the Irrigation Consultative Committee held at the CADA office in Malavagoppa, near Shivamogga. The session was chaired by Minister for School Education Madhu Bangarappa, who also serves as the Minister in charge of Shivamogga district.
Bhadra water release to support 120 days of summer cultivation
With the canals scheduled to carry water for four months, the move aims to provide a reliable supply for summer cropping in the catchment. The committee considered crop water requirements and the operational capacity of the canal network before finalising the start dates for each bank.
As part of the implementation measures, Minister Bangarappa directed CADA engineers to draw up an action plan to remove silt from canals and tanks within the command area. The desilting work is intended to improve conveyance efficiency and increase storage capacity, thereby reducing losses and ensuring equitable distribution to tail-end users.
The Minister said the plan and progress would be taken up with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to ensure necessary support and coordination across departments. Officials at the meeting included CADA chairman K.P. Amshumanth, local MLAs S.N. Channabasappa and D.G. Shanthana Gowda, and senior officers from the irrigation wing.
Local authorities expect the scheduled Bhadra water release to ease pressure on groundwater and support sowing and standing summer crops. Reliable canal supplies during the hot season can be particularly important for small and marginal farmers who depend on surface irrigation for horticulture and short-duration crops.
Preparatory measures such as desilting and routine maintenance of regulators and distributary channels are commonly undertaken ahead of controlled releases to ensure flow reaches all parts of the command area. CADA engineers will prioritise stretches with known bottlenecks and tanks that serve multiple villages.
Residents and farmers in the command area have been advised to coordinate planting and field preparation with local irrigation officials to make best use of the scheduled supply. The authority has also urged farmers to follow distribution schedules and report leakage or breaches so repairs can be undertaken quickly.
The committee’s resolution underlines the importance of structured water management in the region. By combining scheduled releases with maintenance efforts, officials aim to maximise the benefit of available Bhadra reservoir supplies for agricultural productivity through the summer months.
Photo: EOM
Key Takeaways:
- Authorities will begin the Bhadra water release through left and right bank canals on 3 and 8 January respectively to support summer cultivation.
- The water supply will run for 120 days, aiming to meet the irrigation needs of the command area.
- CADA has been instructed to prepare an action plan to desilt canals and tanks to improve delivery and storage.
- Minister Madhu Bangarappa and local MLAs will coordinate with the deputy chief minister to oversee implementation.
