Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy said Sunday that the government has set a 2028 [1] deadline to complete the Upper Bhadra Project.
The completion of this long-delayed irrigation scheme is critical for regional water security and agricultural stability across four districts: Hassan, Chikkamagaluru, Shivamogga, and Davangere [1].
Reddy said the project has entered a decisive phase now that key land acquisition hurdles have been resolved. The ambitious scheme is designed to provide water benefits to 7.4 million [1] people once fully operational.
To ensure the timeline is met, Reddy convened a high-level meeting on Monday with senior officials. The session focused on reviewing the progress of major irrigation projects and the overall functioning of the four key irrigation corporations in Karnataka.
"The Congress government has set a 2028 deadline for completing the long-delayed Upper Bhadra Project," Reddy said, noting that the resolution of land disputes has cleared the path for construction.
The project has historically faced delays due to disputes over land ownership and compensation. The current administration's focus on these legal and administrative bottlenecks is intended to prevent further slippage of the 2028 [2] target date.
“The Congress government has set a 2028 deadline for completing the long-delayed Upper Bhadra Project”
The commitment to a 2028 deadline signals a strategic push by the Karnataka government to finalize a legacy infrastructure project that has been stalled by land disputes. By targeting four specific districts, the state is attempting to stabilize agricultural output and water access for millions, though the success of the timeline depends on the government's ability to maintain the current momentum in land settlements.
