Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy on Thursday, 17 September 2026, assured that water from the Etthinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project would be supplied to Tumakuru by the end of November, following a site inspection of ongoing works under Package 11 of the project at Kanchiganahalli in Gubbi taluk. The minister directed officials to accelerate construction and underscored the government's commitment to ensuring 100 per cent of the planned water supply.

About the Etthinahole Project

The Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project is a flagship water-supply initiative in Karnataka, designed to divert water from the Yettinahole stream — a tributary of the Netravati river — to drought-prone districts across eastern and central Karnataka, including Tumakuru. Originally estimated at ₹8,000 crore, the project's cost has since escalated to ₹23,000 crore, reflecting the scale and complexity of the civil works involved. Minister Cheluvarayaswamy described it as a 'dream project' first launched during the previous Congress government.

Key Developments on the Ground

During his inspection at Kanchiganahalli, the minister reviewed a 1.9-km stretch of construction on land belonging to the Forest Department. He stated that work on the Tumakuru stretch is targeted for completion by 15 October, ahead of the overall November-end supply deadline. He also confirmed that files related to the Stage-II forest clearance required for the project have already reached New Delhi, with the Additional Chief Secretary of the Forest Department having submitted the application. Cheluvarayaswamy expressed confidence that the final clearance from the Centre would be secured within a week.

Construction Challenges and Directives

The minister highlighted a technically demanding phase of the project: an excavation requiring a deep cut of 28 metres at the site. He directed officials to adopt the cut-and-cover method to prevent soil collapse and ensure that construction meets required quality and safety standards. He also instructed that an additional 10 acres of land allotted for temporary soil storage be used effectively, with excavated soil refilled properly upon completion. Officials were told to give the highest priority to quality in the construction of the gravity canal.

Other Announcements and Farmer Concerns

Cheluvarayaswamy also announced that the Bikkegudda project, delayed due to what he described as unavoidable reasons, would be completed and inaugurated within the next two months. On the contentious Hemavathi Link Canal project, which some farmers have demanded be scrapped, the minister advocated a balanced approach. 'Farmers in both Tumakuru and Ramanagara are equal to us. Everyone is our own. We will hold detailed discussions with the Chief Minister and take appropriate measures that are in the interest of everyone without causing injustice to anyone,' he said. The minister additionally raised concerns about financial exploitation of farmers through microfinance institutions, urging them to avoid the debt trap and file written complaints if they face harassment, noting that legal action requires formal written grievances. Gubbi MLA and KSRTC Corporation Chairman P. Vasu along with Water Resources Department officials were present at the inspection.

What Happens Next

The project's immediate milestones hinge on securing Stage-II forest clearance from the Centre and completing the Tumakuru stretch by mid-October. If the timeline holds, residents of water-stressed Tumakuru districts could receive Etthinahole supply before the year ends — a development that would mark a significant milestone for a project years in the making.