Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi announced a ₹185 crore project to fill 88 tanks in Haveri district, aiming to mitigate water scarcity during low‑rainfall years. The scheme includes check‑dam construction on the Tunga and Varada rivers to boost groundwater levels.

Key Takeaways

  • ₹185 crore project to fill 88 tanks across 42 villages in Haveri.
  • Check‑dams on Tunga and Varada rivers to improve groundwater recharge.
  • Critical water security boost for farmers, livestock owners, and rural households during rain‑deficit periods.

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Satish Jarkiholi inspected the ambitious tank‑filling initiative on July 14, 2026, covering the Hirekerur and Rattihalli taluks of Haveri district, Karnataka. The project, approved in 2019, is designed to capture and store water from the Tungabhadra River near Ukkadagatri (Harihar taluk) and distribute it across 88 earthen tanks.

Project Scope and Financial Commitment

The state government sanctioned a total outlay of ₹185 crore, earmarking a storage capacity of 671.67 million cubic feet (CFt). To date, infrastructure for 345.50 million CFt has been completed. The tanks will be filled by drawing water from the Tungabhadra, supplemented by increased inflows from the Tunga and Varada rivers.

Check‑Dam Network and Groundwater Recharge

Haveri enjoys a tri‑river system—Tunga, Varada, and Tungabhadra—that underpins its irrigation network. By constructing check‑dams on the Tunga and Varada, the government aims to slow river flow, enhance percolation, and raise the groundwater table. Experts cite this dual approach—surface storage plus aquifer recharge—as essential for long‑term water resilience.

Implementation Milestones

During the site visit, Minister Jarkiholi queried officials about pump‑house operations, motor commissioning, and tank‑filling progress. Three high‑capacity motors were commissioned on July 8, initiating the first wave of water transfer into the tanks. A dedicated 66 kV transmission line and a power sub‑station near the pump house have also been installed, ensuring reliable electricity supply for continuous operation.

Impact on Agriculture and Rural Livelihoods

In years of deficient rainfall, water scarcity threatens crop yields, livestock health, and domestic consumption. The filled tanks will provide a reliable source for irrigation, drinking water for cattle, and household needs, thereby stabilising rural economies. Moreover, the project is expected to reduce migration pressures by sustaining agricultural livelihoods.

If executed effectively, Haveri’s tank‑filling scheme could serve as a replicable model for other drought‑prone districts across India, aligning with the national agenda of water security and climate adaptation.