THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday accused BJP leaders from the state of failing to support Karnataka’s efforts to secure pending approvals from the Union Government for the Mhadei basin water diversion projects, a long-standing issue that has drawn strong opposition from neighbouring Goa.
Addressing reporters in Belagavi, Shivakumar who was on a day-long visit to Belagavi said he had personally approached union ministers and authorities concerned at the Centre on multiple occasions seeking clearance for the implementation of the Mhadei projects but had received no positive response.
“I have personally met Union Ministers and other authorities over five times requesting approvals, clearances for the projects. But they have not agreed to our requests. Our friends in the BJP, including Union Ministers and MPs, are not cooperating with us in this regard,” he lamented.
The Chief Minister, however, reiterated that the Karnataka government remained committed to the project and would commence work once all statutory approvals were secured.
The implementation of Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion issue continues to be a sensitive subject between Karnataka and Goa.
The proposed diversion of water from the rivulets has been strongly opposed by successive Goa governments, environmental groups and civil society organisations, which fear adverse ecological and water-related impacts on the coastal state.
The Karnataka CM’s remarks on Thursday assume significance as he has made several visits to New Delhi over the past few years seeking clearances for the Kalsa-Bhandura tributaries of Mhadei.
The Karnataka government has consistently maintained that the project is essential for providing drinking water to drought-prone districts in the northern part of the state.
Apart from the Mhadei issue, Shivakumar said the government would expedite land acquisition for the extension of the Upper Krishna Project. He noted that compensation for landowners had been enhanced and assured that pending acquisition issues would be resolved.
“We will take up the next stage of work of all the water diversion in phases and ensure that water diversion projects meant for drinking water and irrigation purpose move forward,” he said.
Deputy CM Dr G Parameshwar, ministers U T Khader, Satish Jarkiholi, M B Patil were among those present at the news conference.
