**Karnataka Government’s Cauvery Aarti Project Faces Funding Challenges**
The Karnataka government, led by the Congress party, has proposed a significant “Cauvery Aarti” event near the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) reservoir in Mandya district, inspired by the renowned Ganga Aarti. However, the initiative is currently encountering financial hurdles. The Water Resources Department has outlined a plan to establish essential infrastructure for the ritual, estimating the total cost at Rs 92.30 crore. This ambitious project is set to be managed by the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) and is intended to be funded through the capital account from allocated grants.
The Finance Department has raised concerns, indicating that the proposed budget of Rs 92 crore exceeds the amount sanctioned by the Board of Directors. They have stated, “In this context, approval for new works is not permissible,” and recommended that the proposal be submitted to the Cabinet for a final decision.
According to a note from the Finance Department dated April 22, 2025, which has been exclusively reviewed, the necessary funds are currently unavailable. The note reveals that CNNL is already burdened with a liability of Rs 9,357 crore, with only Rs 1,670 crore allocated for the current year, resulting in an outstanding liability of Rs 7,687 crore for the following year. Additionally, there are unpaid bills amounting to Rs 2,254 crore.
On a broader scale, the Water Resources Department is facing a staggering total liability of Rs 99,899 crore. Even after utilizing this year’s grant, there will still be dues of Rs 87,886 crore carried over into the next fiscal year, along with pending bills totaling Rs 17,092 crore.
In light of these financial constraints, the administrative department has emphasized the importance of the Cauvery Aarti project for enhancing infrastructure in Srirangapatna. They have decided to escalate the proposal to the Cabinet for approval, underscoring the project’s significance despite the current funding challenges.
**FAQ**
**What is the Cauvery Aarti project?**
The Cauvery Aarti project is an initiative by the Karnataka government to hold a ceremonial event near the KRS reservoir, aimed at enhancing local infrastructure and cultural significance, inspired by the Ganga Aarti.
