Uttam wants Tummidihatti alignments keeping in mind eco issues, asks for realistic solutions

The state’s water‑resource ministry is facing mounting pressure to reconcile the ambitious expansion of the Tummidihatti reservoir with growing environmental concerns, a dilemma highlighted by Minister Uttam Rao during a recent briefing. Rao, who has been tasked with overseeing the alignment of the proposed dam’s final reservoir level (FRL), urged his technical team to adopt “realistic solutions” that address both the region’s chronic water scarcity and the ecological impact of inundating additional land. His comments, delivered at a press conference in Bengaluru, have sparked a vigorous debate among engineers, environmentalists and local communities, each of whom sees the project’s scale and scope through a different lens.At the core of the discussion is the proposed increase of the FRL from 148 metres to 152 metres above mean sea level..

According to the ministry’s feasibility report, this modest four‑metre rise would more than double the reservoir’s storage capacity, taking it from 2.182 trillion cubic feet (tmc ft) to 5.697 tmc ft. The additional volume, the report argues, would provide a crucial buffer against the increasingly erratic monsoon patterns that have plagued the Deccan plateau in recent years. Proponents contend that the extra water could be used for irrigation, drinking supplies and hydro‑electric generation, thereby delivering long‑term economic benefits to the agrarian districts that depend on the Cauvery basin.Yet the numbers that promise such benefits also underscore the scale of the environmental trade‑offs..

Raising the FRL by four metres would submerge an extra 8,000 hectares of forested land, much of it classified as semi‑evergreen and home to several threatened species of flora and fauna. The area includes sections of the Western Ghats’ foothills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity. Conservation groups have warned that the loss of habitat could exacerbate the decline of endemic species such as the Nilgiri tahr and the Malabar large‑flowered tree, while also disrupting migration corridors for larger mammals like elephants and leopards.In response, the ministry’s engineering division has outlined a series of mitigation measures that Rao described as “practical and grounded in current technology.” These include the construction of wildlife corridors, the relocation of affected communities to resettlement colonies equipped with basic amenities, and the implementation of a reforestation programme that aims to plant two million saplings over the next decade..

The department also plans to employ a “phased filling” strategy, wherein the reservoir would be raised incrementally while monitoring ecological indicators such as water quality, fish populations and downstream flow regimes. This adaptive approach, officials claim, would allow for adjustments should adverse impacts become apparent.Environmental NGOs, however, remain skeptical of the proposed safeguards. The Karnataka Biodiversity Forum (KBF) issued a statement accusing the ministry of “over‑optimistic engineering” and warned that the reforestation effort could become a “paper exercise” if not accompanied by strict enforcement and long‑term monitoring..

Ananya Menon, highlighted that previous dam projects in the state had often fallen short of promised ecological offsets, citing the case of the Linganamakki reservoir where re‑planting targets were never met. She urged the government to commission an independent impact assessment by a panel of ecologists, hydrologists and social scientists before any final decision is taken.The social dimension of the project is equally contentious. Approximately 3,200 families reside in the area slated for inundation under the 152‑metre FRL scenario..

While the ministry has pledged compensation and the provision of alternative agricultural land, critics argue that the resettlement plan does not adequately address the loss of livelihoods tied to forest resources, traditional fishing rights and cultural heritage sites. A recent survey conducted by the Centre for Rural Development (CRD) found that 68 per cent of the affected households fear that the promised compensation will be delayed or insufficient, leading to potential impoverishment and social unrest.Balancing these concerns, the state government has invoked the “integrated water‑resource management” framework that it adopted in 2022, which mandates that any large‑scale infrastructure project undergo a multi‑criteria analysis covering economic viability, environmental sustainability and social equity. Under this framework, the ministry is required to submit a revised project report to the State Water Resources Planning Board by the end of the next quarter..

The board will then forward its recommendations to the state cabinet, which holds the final authority to approve or reject the FRL increase.Stakeholders across the spectrum are watching the outcome closely, recognizing that the decision will set a precedent for how Karnataka navigates the twin challenges of water security and ecological preservation. If approved, the expanded Tummidihatti reservoir could become a flagship example of how modern dam engineering integrates climate resilience with biodiversity safeguards. Conversely, a rejection or significant scaling‑back could reinforce the growing sentiment that large‑scale water infrastructure must be subjected to stricter environmental scrutiny.In the meantime, Minister Rao has called for “constructive dialogue” and emphasized that the ministry remains open to suggestions that do not compromise the core objective of augmenting water storage..

He reiterated that the state’s priority is to ensure water availability for its burgeoning population and agricultural sector, while also safeguarding the natural heritage that defines the region. As the debate unfolds, the next few weeks will be critical in shaping the balance between development imperatives and the ecological stewardship that many argue cannot be postponed..