Mangaluru : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, on Thursday, refused to set any deadline for the completion of the Yettinahole water diversion project and the consequent transfer of water to arid regions.

Speaking to presspersons on his arrival for the one-day tour of Dakshina Kannada district at Mangaluru International Airport here, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the corporation announced in the Budget for optimum exploitation of Yettinahole and other water sources would be established soon.

Asked if 24 tmcft water was available at Yettinahole as claimed by the government, he said more than the specified quantum was available. “Only excess rainwater during the four months of monsoon will be drained out towards the arid regions. Activists in Dakshina Kannada, who are opposing the project, are misinformed; the project will not have any impact on Dakshina Kannada,” he said.

About who would be held responsible if the project fails, Mr. Siddaramaiah categorically stated that the project would not fail. He also said the government, as announced in the Budget, was exploring other water sources, including the Sharavathi, to meet the needs of citizens in arid regions. “Yettinahole will be used only for drinking water purposes,” he added.