CM Shivakumar wants Centre’s intervention on Mekedatu, tells Tamil Nadu to inspect site

While asking Tamil Nadu to send a delegation to inspect the proposed project site, BENGALURU: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday sought Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil's intervention for expediting clearances and funding for Karnataka's key water projects, including Mekedatu.

Key points

• In a letter to Patil, Shivakumar sought directives to the Central Water Commission to prioritise appraisal of the DPR and the compliance report submitted on August 13.
• The CM remarked Karnataka had sought early appraisal of its proposals under PMKSY and the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme.
• He remarked he would additionally invite Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to discuss the project throughout the table.
• On the Mahadayi matter, Shivakumar stated CR Patil had assured a joint session of both Karnataka and Goa CMs on water and forest-related matters.
• The Tamil Nadu administration should additionally send a delegation and inspect the project site.

After session Patil in Delhi, Shivakumar stated to journalists that the Centre had understood Karnataka's position that water from the Mekedatu reservoir could be applied only for drinking purposes and not irrigation. "The Tamil Nadu administration should additionally send a delegation and inspect the project site. We will extend all cooperation to them, " he remarked.

Shivakumar remarked Karnataka had submitted a fresh DPR for the Rs 16, 745-crore Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project and called on the Centre to expedite its appraisal and grant the necessary clearances. He remarked he would additionally invite Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to discuss the project throughout the table.

In a letter to Patil, Shivakumar sought directives to the Central Water Commission to prioritise appraisal of the DPR and the compliance report submitted on August 13. He additionally sought the Centre's intervention in the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II matter pending before the Supreme Court.

On the Rs 21, 167.93-crore Upper Bhadra Project, the CM sought Central assistance and pressed its inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), besides timely release of the assistance unveiled in the 2023-24 Union Budget.

On the Mahadayi matter, Shivakumar stated CR Patil had assured a joint session of both Karnataka and Goa CMs on water and forest-related matters. He additionally sought a gathering of the chief ministers of neighbouring states to resolve problems concerning the Upper Krishna project.

For context, the CM remarked Karnataka had sought early appraisal of its proposals under PMKSY and the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme. He additionally called on the Centre to review Karnataka's proposed water share under the Godavari-Cauvery and Bedti-Varada river-linking projects.

For context, the CM additionally stated an all-party delegation would be taken to Delhi on the Kasturirangan report, drought and water problems, and called on the Opposition-BJP and JD(S) to join it. "If they agree to join the all-party delegation, it will show that they stand with farmers. If they refuse, it will prove that they are not with the farmers, " he remarked. Armed forces to participate in Mysuru Dasara festivities.

Shivakumar remarked Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had approved the participation of the three armed forces in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations to showcase the country's military strength and inspire the youth. An air show will additionally be a major attraction of this year's Dasara, the CM went on. Drought: DKS seeks PM's time.

While attacking the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for refusing to join the delegation, chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday remarked he had sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appointment to lead an all-party delegation from Karnataka to seek central assistance to tackle drought situation.

Today, I have requested the Prime Minister to offer us time for the all-party delegation. Except for one dam, nothing has been filled up. A massive loss has been caused to farmers and we are facing a lot of difficulties, he noted to journalists. If the Opposition(BJP) does not join the all-party delegation, the administration will not ignore the interests of farmers.

We will do whatever is necessary to protect their interests, he remarked. Those who are asking for Rs 25, 000 or Rs 50, 000 compensation should also speak to the Central Government and get assistance for the farmers, Shivakumar remarked, adding that the BJP's stand would expose its hypocrisy on the problem. Shivakumar additionally stated he had sought the Prime Minister's time to discuss the Kasturirangan report and CRZ problems.

Taken together, the developments around CM Shivakumar wants Centre's intervention on Mekedatu, tells Tamil Nadu to inspect point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.