BELAGAVI
Mounting pressure on the Centre, Karnataka has sought an early clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) for the implementation of the Kalsa-Bhandura Water Diversion projects and other irrigation projects in the state.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources portfolio, met Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav in Delhi and discussed the pending clearances for the Kalsa-Bhandura and Yettinahole projects late on Tuesday.
Shivakumar also met Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil and submitted a request seeking central assistance for the Upper Bhadra Project. He also gave an indication that the Centre has shown an inclination to arrive at some solutions for the implementation of both projects.
Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Shivakumar said, “I came here to meet two Union Ministers and to hold discussions with my legal team. I met Union Minister Bhupender Yadav regarding the Kalsa-Bhandura and the Yettinahole drinking water projects, as these projects are in the pipeline
for installation.”
“The Yettinahole project is about 60 to 70 per cent complete, while the work on the Kalsa-Bhandura projects has been halted pending clearance from the MoEF. We have now provided alternative lands to the forest department to resolve this issue,” Dy CM Shivakumar explained.
“The Union Minister mentioned that they have arrived at some conclusions. I am also meeting ministers from other states on this matter. I hope the issue will be resolved soon,” the Dy CM was quoted as saying to media persons.
“During the ongoing Parliament session, we will return here to engage with all Union Ministers and Members of Parliament from Karnataka to brief them on what needs to be done in the interest of the state.”
He asserted, adding that the Union government should clear this without further delay in the state’s interest.
