Day After Skipping DKS Name, Sidddu, DyCM Offer Bagina To Kabini

State govt will spend ₹32 crore to strengthen Kabini reservoir, says chief minister

- EXPRESS NEWS SERVICE @ Hassan

A day after deliberately missing out Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's name during the Sadhana Samavesha in Mysuru, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, along with Shivakumar, offered bagina to the brimming Kabini reservoir, considered a lifeline to both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, on Sunday.

Irrigation department officials and the district administration extended a ceremonial welcome to both the leaders at the Kabini reservoir which was decked up for the ritual. The Kabini river originates in Kerala and joins the Cauvery at T Narsipur in Mysuru district.

Speaking on the occasion, Siddaramaiah said the reservoir has filled too early, following heavy downpour in the catchment area of Wayanad in Kerala. The Karnataka government has utilised its share to irrigate 1.8 lakh acres as against 1.3 lakh acres, and will utilise the surplus water to extend the irrigation area.

He announced that the state government will take up strengthening of the 51-year-old reservoir at the cost of ₹32.25 crore.