CM Launches Phase-II of K.C. Valley Project to Rejuvenate 30 Lakes in Kolar, Karnataka

Rapid Summary

• Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated Phase-II of the K.C. Valley project on September 4, 2025, aimed at filling 30 tanks adn lakes in Kolar taluk using treated sewage water.
• Phase-II will be completed by December 2025 at a cost of ₹446 crore and will enable the filling of a total of 272 lakes.
• The treated sewage water originates from Bengaluru’s Koramangala-Challaghatta valley drainage system through nearby sewage treatment plants.
• During his speech,CM Siddaramaiah emphasized that the project would substantially improve groundwater levels in drought-prone districts like Kolar and Chikkaballapur while benefiting farmers with increased cultivation areas.
• He addressed concerns raised by critics about water quality, asserting that propaganda deeming it unsuitable for crops or livestock is incorrect.
• Treated water is already being pumped daily into more than 250 lakes as part of ongoing efforts to support agricultural activities in regions without major rivers.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The inauguration of Phase-II of the K.C Valley project highlights a critical step toward addressing water scarcity issues in drought-prone districts like Kolar and Chikkaballapur in Karnataka. By repurposing treated sewage from Bengaluru’s urban areas for agricultural use, this initiative demonstrates an effective resource management approach to tackle groundwater depletion which has plagued these regions for years.

While economic expenditure stands at ₹446 crore, its potential impact on transforming barren lands into cultivable terrain could provide long-term benefits including improved local livelihoods and enhanced food security. Though, concerns regarding wastewater reuse-despite assurances from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah-may require sustained public outreach to instill confidence among beneficiaries regarding safety standards.

This model could set an example for similar challenges across other states or regions faced with limited freshwater resources but abundant untreated wastewater supplies waiting to be utilized efficiently.

Read more: Phase-II launch details