Yettinahole trial run planned by October-end: stored water to be sent towards Tumakuru to test the system

Tumakuru, September 16, 2026: Preparations are under way for a trial run of the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project by the end of October 2026, using stored water to test the conveyance system towards Tumakuru. A September 12 report said the exercise could run for about a month and is intended to check flow continuity, leakages and technical performance.

The proposed run is a test, not the commissioning of the entire project or the start of full regular supply to all beneficiaries.

Project scale and cost

The CAG performance audit records a project design to divert about 24.01 TMC during the monsoon season. It also records revisions in estimated cost from ₹8,323.50 crore in 2012 to ₹12,912.36 crore in 2014 and ₹23,251.66 crore in January 2023.

2026 budget status

Karnataka Legislature budget proceedings state that first-phase lift works were commissioned, while 18.73 km of second-phase canal work remained. The budget also announced a 1.2 TMC balancing reservoir near Vaderahalli in Koratagere taluk.

Audit observations

The CAG flagged differences between rainfall/yield assumptions used in the DPR and some government gauge and recorded-flow data, along with delays, funding constraints and coordination issues. These audit observations are important context for assessing the project alongside the October trial.

Clarification: The October-end reference concerns the proposed trial using stored water. It should not be read as full completion of the project.