BELAGAVI
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that the Centre is not giving Environmental Clearance for the execution of the Mhadei Water Diversion Project.
He also stated that sufficient funds have been provided for the implementation of all the water diversion projects that have been sanctioned by the Government.
He was responding to the questions raised during the 10-day winter session of the Karnataka State Legislature on Friday, the last day of the session.
In his marathon reply, he also spoke about the irrigation projects of the region.
He said implementation of the third phase of the Upper Krishna project is at a standstill as the Union government has not issued a gazette notification.
“Moreover, the Centre is not giving environmental clearance due to which implementation of the Mhadei Water Diversion Project is also delayed. In case the Centre gives the nod, the government was prepared to implement the project with immediate effect,” Siddaramaiah said.
“As Karnataka is facing grave water shortage due to weak monsoons, we are seeking time from the Prime Minister for a meeting where the response from the PMO is still awaited. Not a single penny from the Rs 5,300 promised by Union Minister Nirmala Sitaraman during the last budget by the Centre has been released to Karnataka,” he alleged.
The Karnataka government has also decided to set up a high-power committee, headed by noted economists from the State.
“The committee will be asked to submit the report in the time-bound period of at least six months. An increase in the number of talukas from 175 to 236 has necessitated such a study,” CM Siddaramaiah said.
Karnataka Speaker U T Khader chaired the entire session on Friday
Meanwhile, Belagavi city wore a deserted look as the entire government machinery packed up on Friday as most of the Legislators, officials, and others left for Bengaluru. The city hotels are now open for visitors from Goa.
