After decades of flood fear, Bennihalla desilting work brings fresh hope

Dharwad: For thousands of farmers in Navalgund, Kundgol and Annigeri taluks, the Bennihalla stream has long been a source of fear every monsoon. Recurrent floods have damaged crops, inundated villages and disrupted road connectivity for decades. This year, however, there is growing optimism that the situation may finally improve.The Bennihalla development and desilting project, launched in Feb, has already achieved nearly 60% progress. Officials associated with the project say the large-scale removal of silt, thorny vegetation and obstructions from the streambed will ensure smoother rainwater flow during the monsoon and reduce flooding in surrounding villages and agricultural lands.At vulnerable stretches such as Yamanur, dense vegetation along the stream has been cleared, and accumulated silt removed. Engineers supervising the work believe these measures will prevent water from overflowing into nearby farmlands and habitations.The first phase of the project covers the 60-km to 125-km stretch of the Bennihalla stream. Major works include the construction of 1 km of concrete retaining walls at vulnerable points and 6.1km of embankments. Authorities are also building inlet structures at 86 critical locations to channel excess water from agricultural fields into the stream.Desilting work is being carried out over 500 metres in tributaries such as Desaihalla, Gundenahalla and Handiganahalla. In addition, seven road bridges are under construction, while proposals have been prepared for two water conservation structures to store excess rainwater that currently flows downstream unused.Officials estimate that once completed, the project will substantially reduce flood threats in 37 villages across Dharwad and Gadag districts. Nearly 20,000 hectares of agricultural land are expected to be protected from recurring inundation.The project also aims to improve facilities for pilgrims visiting Yamanur village, which attracts devotees of Changadeva from Karnataka and Maharashtra. Plans are under way to construct a 150-metre-long bathing ghat along the stream.For decades, the Bennihalla and Tupparihalla streams have caused widespread destruction during heavy rains. Farmers have repeatedly demanded a permanent solution to conserve excess water and prevent devastating floods. More than 22 tmcft of water reportedly flows unused through these streams every year.“A comprehensive project worth nearly Rs 1,500 crore has been envisioned for a permanent solution to the Bennihalla problem. The state govt has already released Rs 200 crore in the initial phase, and works are progressing rapidly. Farmers need not fear floods this year,” said Navalgund MLA NH Konaraddi.BOX‘Stream of sorrow’Bennihalla is a 148-km-long seasonal stream and an important sub-tributary of the Malaprabha River in north Karnataka. Flowing through Haveri, Dharwad and Gadag districts, it originates near Dhundasi in Shiggaon taluk of Haveri district and joins the Malaprabha near Menasagi. The stream drains a 4,800-sq-km watershed and has nearly 15 tributaries. Recurrent monsoon flooding has earned it the reputation of being a “stream of sorrow”.