Karnataka: MLC moots construction of retaining walls along banks of Kapila and Cauvery to prevent flooding

K. Shivakumar, MLC, has sought financial assistance from the Centre’s 16th Finance Commission for the construction of retaining walls along the banks of rivers Kapila and Cauvery to prevent displacement of residents of areas prone to seasonal inundation.

In a proposal sent to the Chairman the of 16th Finance Commission, Government of India, Mr. Shivakumar has sought to highlight the recurring hardships faced by the residents living along the banks of Kapila and Cauvery in Nanjangud, T. Narsipura, and Kollegal taluks of Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts.

“Every monsoon, particularly whenever water is released from the Kabini reservoir, these rivers overflow, inundating nearby settlements. The affected families — mostly poor agricultural labourers and small-scale farmers — are forced to evacuate their homes repeatedly, seeking temporary shelter for one or two months along with their families and livestock,” the MLC said.

“These displacements not only cause immense distress to them, but also disrupts the livelihoods and education of children in Mullur, Hale Annahalli, Harale, Saragur, Danagere, Sathegala, and Yadamuri in Kollegal taluk of Chamrajangar district and few more villages in Mysuru district,” he added.

To mitigate these hardships, Mr. Shivakumar said that he has proposed the construction of retaining walls along the most vulnerable stretches of the riverbanks — covering distances ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 km each at Nanjangud and T. Narsipura and 6 km in Kollegal taluk on both sides of the river bed.

“These protective structures would safeguard habitations from seasonal flooding, prevent soil erosion, and ensure long-term stability for communities that have suffered for decades from periodic submersions,” the MLC said, before requesting the 16th Finance Commission to consider extending special financial assistance or grants of ₹500 crore under appropriate provisions to undertake this “critical” infrastructure work.

The construction of a retaining wall would bring lasting relief to hundreds of affected families and contribute significantly to flood management, rural resilience, and sustainable livelihood protection in the region, Mr. Shivakumar added.