Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi launched construction work for a bridge-cum-barrage on the Ghataprabha near Yamakanamaradi in Belagavi district on Monday.

The structure will connect Mallatti-Suthagatti and surrounding villages. It will benefit commuters and help farmers by ensuring water supply for most months of the year, the Minister said.

This will fulfil the long-standing demand of farmers of over 15 villages in this area.

He performed Bhoomi Puja for the new bridge-cum-barrage near Yamakanamaradi.

It is being taken up at a cost of ₹7.96 crore. It will be completed in a matter of a few months, he added.

He asked officials to complete the work within the stipulated time and with quality.

The Minister expressed the confidence that this will increase the groundwater level and also help farmers achieve stable yields and prosperity.

Since water is stored in the river throughout the year, farmers can directly pump water to their land through their pumpsets.

The water impounded in the barrage will significantly increase the groundwater level in the wells and borewells of the farmers in the vicinity.

Chief of the 44th Battalion of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) in Belagavi S. Junaja, Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan, Police Commissioner Borase Bhushan Gulbarao, Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Rahul Shinde and others were present.