India, Feb. 16 -- Mysuru, Feb. 16 - The aqueduct of the Varuna Canal near Old Kesare passing over Mysuru-Bengaluru Highway is facing a serious threat due to the open burning of heaps of waste and cables to extract copper at the base of the pillars supporting the overhead structure.

The Varuna Canal stretches about 126 kms and was constructed over 13 years, from 1987 to 2000. Three major aqueducts, carrying 980 cusecs of water, serve as crucial links in irrigating nearly 80,000 acres of agricultural land.

These elevated concrete water-carrying structures are located at Belagola (Mandya), Siddalingapura (Mysuru-Bengaluru Road) and Gejjagalli (Mysuru-Nanjangud Road).

Concern now centres on a 1.8-km stretch of the aqueduct supported by mor...