1,348 vented dams to be constructed in Coastal districts: Minister Madhu Swamy

Udupi, Nov 24: The state government has prepared a master plan to construct 1,348 vented dams in Coastal districts.

Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the ₹35 crores vented dam project at Paduvari in Byndoor of Udupi district on Tuesday, Minor irrigation minister J C Madhu Swamy said these dams will not only help in improving underground water table but also in providing water for irrigation and drinking water.

“Our department has taken up various projects throughout the state aiming at increasing the underground water level,” he said.

A blueprint is ready to construct 1,348 vented dams. Of this Uttara Kannada will have the maximum number of dams (466) followed by DK (446) and Udupi (424) vented dams.

“The total estimated cost of these is about ₹3,986 crore and the projects will be completed in 5 years. People can use this water even for fishing and also prawn culture,” Madhu Swamy added.

MP B Y Raghavendra said that every house in Byndoor would be provided drinking water under the Jal Jeevan Mission of the Central government and assured to chalk out plans for tourism development.

MLA Sukumar Shetty, Coastal Development Authority president Mattar Rathnakar Hegde and others were present.