UK shows interest in Arkavathi project: Minister

Minister for water resources, MB Patil, on Wednesday said the British High Commission has shown interest in providing necessary help in rejuvenating Arkavathi river on the lines of the Thames in London.

Speaking to reporters, he said the project was being taken up to meet the future water needs of Bangalore city. He further stated that Bangalore is totally dependent on Cauvery river for drinking water.

“Keeping in mind that every summer the city faces a water shortage, I had placed a request for the rejuvenation of Arkavathi on the lines of Thames in London to the British High Commission. The High Commission has responded positively by agreeing to take up the study, survey and other works related to the rejuvenation of Arkavathi,” he explained.

Patil said the government would also consult Rajendra Singh, a water expert from Rajasthan.

“We will not hesitate to take up the work and will not be worried about financial challenges,” he added.

The Ettinahole project is all set to take off in two months. Patil was confident the work of Ettinahole project, which proposes to bring water to Bangalore Rural District, Chikkaballapur and other surrounding districts from the west-flowing rivers would take off in two months. The tender process is still in progress,” he added.