Introduction
The Karnataka government has initiated the third phase of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP-III), aiming to enhance irrigation facilities by raising the height of the Almatti Dam. This expansion will facilitate the irrigation of an additional 6.6 lakh hectares of farmland, benefiting farmers in drought-prone regions. However, the project necessitates the acquisition of approximately 1.33 lakh acres of land, impacting numerous farmers in the Bagalkot and Vijayapura districts.
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Project Overview
- Dam Height Increase: The Almatti Dam’s height will be raised from 519.6 meters to 524.25 meters.
- Water Storage Capacity: The expansion will increase the dam’s water storage by 130 TMC (thousand million cubic feet).
- Irrigation Expansion: The project aims to irrigate an additional 6.6 lakh hectares of farmland.
- Land Acquisition: Approximately 1.33 lakh acres of land are required for the project, with 29,566 acres already acquired.
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Compensation Plans
In a recent cabinet meeting, the Karnataka government announced a compensation package for farmers whose lands will be acquired:
- Irrigated Land: ₹40 lakh per acre.
- Dry Land: ₹30 lakh per acre.
- Canal Land: ₹35 lakh per acre.
Additionally, a Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Authority will be established to oversee the compensation and rehabilitation processes.
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Implementation and Challenges
- Legal Framework: The government plans to implement the compensation in accordance with the Land Acquisition Act.
- Court Cases: Farmers have been urged to avoid legal disputes to expedite the compensation process.
- Project Costs: The total cost of the project is estimated at ₹87,818 crore, with ₹40,557 crore allocated for land acquisition.
Conclusion
The Upper Krishna Project Phase-III represents a significant step towards enhancing irrigation facilities in Karnataka. While the land acquisition and compensation processes present challenges, the government’s commitment to providing fair compensation and establishing a dedicated authority for rehabilitation aims to address the concerns of affected farmers.
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