BELAGAVI
In a Pre-Budget Consultation of the Union Government with States, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah has requested the Centre to clear for the long pending Mhadei Water Diversion project among other demands.
In its Pre-Budget consultation, Karnataka has anticipated the clearance of the Mhadei water diversion and other irrigation projects, as well as the clearance for development of the global eco-sensitive Western Ghats which includes the Bhimgarh Wildlife Sanctuary and other sanctuaries bordering Karnataka and Goa.
Karnataka authorities have made a number of other suggestions which include special matching grants for the development of backward region of Kalyana Karnataka and the global eco sensitive Western Ghats, release of Rs 5300 cr promised in Union Budget to Upper Bhadra project to provide water to drought prone central Karnataka and approval for Mekedatu and Mahadei projects and four other suggestions.
It may be recalled that amid the diversion of the Hidkal Dam to Hubballi Dharwad industrial area, there was a rising demand to stop the same and instead implement the Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project.
An all-inclusive delegation on Friday submitted a memorandum against the project and demanding for the implementation of the Mhadei water diverion project to Hubballi Dharwad.
Karnataka’s desperation for the implementation of the Mhadei Water Diversion was earlier asserted when Karnataka Dy Chief Minister D K Shivkumar had urged the Centre to expedite the approval for Mhadei diversion project on November 27.
Shivkumar had met MoEFCC Minister Bhupender Yadav in Delhi and requested him to clear Kalasa Bhandura nallah diversion project for “addressing water and conservation needs, boosting development and augmenting wildlife welfare.”
