Billboard Controversy Threatens Varuna Canal SafetyBillboard Controversy Threatens Varuna Canal Safety Public outrage has erupted over the installation of massive billboards on the historic Varuna Canal aqueduct in Mysuru, Karnataka. The billboards, mounted on drilled holes in the cement pillars of the waterway, have sparked concerns about structural damage and safety risks. The Varuna Canal is a crucial irrigation source for agricultural lands in Mysuru and Mandya districts. The aqueduct, which carries water over the Mysuru-Bengaluru highway, is essential for maintaining the flow of water. However, the weight and placement of the billboards are obstructing air passages beneath the waterway, weakening the pillars and potentially threatening the structural integrity of the aqueduct. Concerned citizens have condemned the installation of the billboards, calling it an irresponsible act that disregards the well-being of farmers and the safety of motorists. They fear that weakened canal pillars could collapse, disrupting water supply and posing a hazard to those traveling nearby. According to reports, the billboards have been placed without proper authorization or adherence to safety standards. Government officials and legislators who have turned a blind eye to the issue are facing criticism for their negligence. The public demands the immediate removal of the billboards and accountability for those responsible. The controversy has also brought to light other challenges facing the Varuna Canal, such as water theft and uncontrolled seepage. Concerned citizens are calling for comprehensive measures to address these issues and ensure the long-term viability of the vital waterway. The installation of the billboards on the Varuna Canal aqueduct has exposed a lack of accountability, public safety concerns, and the urgent need for responsible management of water resources in Mysuru and surrounding areas.
Huge billboards threaten the safety of crucial waterways; Removal of public demand, accountability
Mysore/Mysuru: Holes drilled and huge billboards mounted on cement pillars of the Aqueduct of the Varuna Canal at Siddalingapura have sparked public outrage.
The aqueduct, which is vital for supplying water to agricultural lands in Mysuru and Mandya districts, is facing significant damage to its cement pillars due to drilling in the above-ground structure along the Mysuru-Bengaluru highway.
The structural integrity of the aqueduct depends on wide air passages beneath the waterway, supported by columns and pillars. However, the placement of large billboards obstructs these air passages, threatening its structural stability.
The Varuna Canal, vital for irrigation of the taluks of Mysuru, T. Narasipur, HD Kote, Nanjangud and Srirangapatna in Mandya district, is facing a serious challenge at a spot on the Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway, adjacent to the Atrium Hotel.
Large billboards have been erected on the pillars of the canal, posing a threat to the interests of farmers and public safety. Pillars have been drilled and billboards erected, sparking widespread concern about possible large-scale damage.
The aqueduct project was initiated in 1979 during the tenure of late D. Devaraj Urs as Chief Minister and was supported with financing approval in 1998 during the tenure of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as Finance Minister.
When it opened, the Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway was heavily decorated with huge billboards of various marketing organizations, hotels, jewelers and real estate agents, blinding drivers and even encroaching on government property. These billboards, which dominated both sides of the road, blocked existing poles and were allowed by the authorities on the causeway. They were placed on large iron plates.
The billboards along the roadside did not cause any damage, but the billboards on the Varuna Canal aqueduct deformed the pillars on which the concrete is balanced.
Officials who grant permission for these billboards and the private entrepreneurs responsible disrupt the lives of farmers and endanger motorists. Concerned citizens fear that weakened canal pillars could collapse, hampering the work.
Hoarding violations increase anxiety, while uncontrolled water seepage worsens the problems. Despite years of use of polymer technology by the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited (CNNL) to combat seepage, reports indicate widespread seepage, further threatening water supplies.
Government officials and legislators who ignore these issues risk being seen as irresponsible, fueling public outrage. Water theft from the Varuna Canal is rampant, with multiple charges filed. Unauthorized diversion of river water by tankers continues unchecked.
An inappropriate move: citizens
According to concerned citizens, the aqueduct is government property and the installation of billboards by private companies is considered inappropriate and should be removed immediately. Placing billboards drilled into piers of aqueducts poses an extreme danger as it involves the regulation of such structures on public and even government land without official permission.
Citizens fear a possible collapse if the pillars weaken. When an engineer from the Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited (CNNL) was asked about the hoardings, he refused to answer or clarify.
