SHIVAMOGGA

A high-pressure water pipeline laid as part of the Yettinahole project ruptured at Halasulige village in Sakaleshpur, sending several jets of water shooting into the sky.

The leak left a few acres of agricultural land in the vicinity inundated. Fearing that the water spray could pose a danger, the power supply to a nearby 220 kV line was suspended as a precautionary measure.

Hullumani Thimmanna, Assistant Commissioner of the Sakaleshpur sub-division, visited the spot on Sunday (July 12, 2026) morning. After inspecting the situation, he told the media that a leak in the Yettinahole project pipeline had caused the incident. Engineers from the project had been informed of the development and were working to plug the leak and stop the water flow, though it would take some time to restore normalcy, he said.

The officer further said that the contractor and project officials had agreed to compensate farmers whose land was affected by the water stagnation. “If there is any damage caused to standing crops, our officials will collect the data. We will take the measures necessary for the release of compensation,” he said.

D.H. Venkatesh, Executive Engineer, Vishveshwaraya Jala Nigam Limited (VJNL), told The Hindu that the leakage could be due to cracks in the pipeline’s welding. “As of now, we are not pumping water. However, the water already in the pipeline is leaking at its lowest point. We will plug the leak,” he said.

On the damage caused to neighbouring lands, Mr. Venkatesh said a stretch of land measuring about 180-200 metres in width in the locality belonged to the project. “The leaked water will remain within the canal area under our jurisdiction. However, if any damage is caused to private land, we will compensate for it,” he said.

The Yettinahole project aims to provide drinking water and fill tanks in drought-prone districts by diverting 24.01 tmcft of water from four streams — Yettinahole, Kadumane Hole, Keri Hole and Hongadahalla — in Sakaleshpur taluk. The project is being executed by the Vishveshwaraya Jala Nigam Limited at a cost of ₹23,251.66 crore.