D K Shivakumar seeks ₹11,122 crore from centre for Karnataka irrigation projects

New Delhi

Deputy Chief Minister (Dy.CM) and Bengaluru Development Minister D K Shivakumar has urged the central government to release ₹11,122.76 crore for six major irrigation and water management projects across the state. 

Addressing a press conference at Karnataka Bhawan, Shivakumar—who also holds the irrigation portfolio—detailed the fund requests and pressed for swift approvals on several pending proposals.

The requested funding includes ₹804.66 crore for the Sonnathi Lift Irrigation Project, ₹2,660.70 crore for the Indi Branch Canal under the Upper Krishna Project, ₹3,000 crore for the third stage of the Malaprabha Canal, ₹144.42 crore for works on the Ghataprabha Right Bund Canal and Chikkodi Branch Canal, and ₹1,610 crore for the Benne Halla flood prevention project.

“We’ve been informed that one of these projects has been approved, but we’re awaiting formal confirmation,” said Shivakumar. He also reiterated the state’s demand for 25% central funding for the Yettinahole project, which is aimed at addressing drinking water needs. He noted that the Forest Department’s delay in issuing clearances has been a major bottleneck, but the Union Environment Minister has assured early resolution.

Funds awaited despite repeated assurances

On the much-discussed Upper Bhadra project, Shivakumar expressed dissatisfaction over the Centre’s delay. “We have submitted revised estimates and fulfilled all requirements. Though the Centre claims funds will be released, nothing is certain until the money hits our account,” he stated. He questioned the delay in releasing ₹5,300 crore already announced for the project, suggesting that political considerations might be at play. “You should ask the Centre whether it’s a fund crunch or politics,” he said.

Kalasa-Bhanduri vs Goa’s power line request

Shivakumar also revealed a political standoff involving Goa. “Goa has requested clearance for a power transmission line through Karnataka. We have responded by linking our support to their backing of the Kalasa-Bhanduri drinking water project,” he said. Although the project was approved during the BJP rule in Karnataka, Goa has since challenged it in court, issuing a show cause notice in 2023. Shivakumar stressed that Goa has no legal grounds to interfere in Karnataka’s internal projects.

Push for Mekedatu DPR clearance

The Dy.CM also urged Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to approve the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu project. “The DPR complies with the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s guidelines and also benefits Tamil Nadu,” he said, adding that the Minister has agreed to take up the matter with the Tamil Nadu government and submit the report to the court for judicial review.

Krishna Water Tribunal and Alamatti dam

Shivakumar raised concerns over the Centre’s inaction on issuing a Gazette notification for the Tribunal’s order permitting an increase in Alamatti dam height. He stated that despite the legal go-ahead, the project remains stalled. “We’ve asked the Jal Shakti Minister to convene a meeting with Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana in July itself,” he said.

Union Minister V Somanna was present alongside Shivakumar during key meetings with the Union Ministers for Environment and Jal Shakti.

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