Karnataka HC issues notice in Upper Bhadra case

The high court on Monday issued notices to the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited in a public interest litigation against the Upper Bhadra irrigation project.

HS Neelakantappa, in his PIL, requested the court to direct the state government to drop the entire project in the interest of environment and ecology of the area.

The petitioner has contended that the Upper Bhadra irrigation project has only provided water to Chitradurga, Tumkur, Kolar and deprived Tarikere and Kadur taluks in Chikkamagaluru district of water.

In September 2008, the state government passed an order for the implementation of the stage one Upper Bhadra by diverting water of Bhadra River to Tarikere Taluk.

In March 2011, the government without considering the representations; and against the public interest and environment and ecology issued tender notice for the project.