Mangaluru:  A new Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 'Paschima Vahini' scheme, envisaging construction of check dams across West-flowing rivers in coastal districts would be prepared soon, according to state Forests and Environment Minister B Ramanath Rai.

The DPR on the project, with an estimate of Rs 300 crore, would be discussed in the cabinet, he said at a Karnataka Development Programme (KDP) review meeting at the Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat office here.

The government had earlier sanctioned Rs 100 crore for  the scheme, a major step towards solving the drinking water  problem in the region and to help farmers.

The main objective of the project was to ensure drinking water to people of coastal Karnataka throughout the year, he said.

The department of minor irrigation had suggested  construction of 11 vented dams under the scheme in Dakshina  Kannada and Udupi districts.

The minister, who said more than 20 dams would be required, instructed officials to submit a new DPR with projects worth Rs 300 crore, a release said today.

Of Rs 100 crore sanctioned by the government for the scheme,Rs 38 crore was earmarked for Dakshina Kannada district district.

As per the new DPR, more works would be taken up in the two districts.