Malaprabha canal scam: Minister M B Patil denies Yeddyurappa's allegations

Bengaluru: Water Resources Minister M.B. Patil on Wednesday denied BJP State president B.S. Yeddyurappa’s allegations of large-scale irregularities in the Malaprabha canal modernisation work saying tenders for the work had not yet been floated.

Speaking to media persons here, Minister Patil said since the canals are constructed on black soil, the lining has washed away in some places. Without considering the condition of the soil, a Detailed Project Report was prepared for Rs. 963 crore in 2013. The cost went up to Rs. 1,339.25 crore after some micro-irrigation projects were added.

“Considering the local soil, the department hired a former Indian Institute of Science (IISc) soil expert and the modernisation is being taken up as per his suggestions. The cost is expected to be Rs. 1,120 crore and the administrative approval for this is awaited,” the minister said.