Karnataka Pushes Centre on Mekedatu, Secures "Fruitful" Talks

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged the Union government to expedite its appraisal report on the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir project. He stated that Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil has agreed to the request, calling their discussions “fruitful.”

Shivakumar also revealed that the Union Minister assured him the request for funding the Yettinahole drinking water project would be viewed positively. Other key issues discussed included a gazette notification to raise the height of the Alamatti Dam and progress on securing environmental clearance for the Kalasa-Bhanduri project, in consultation with Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav.

The Deputy CM added that the state government plans to submit new project proposals and engage actively with Members of Parliament during the upcoming Monsoon Session. Responding to opposition over the Lakkenahalli dam, he remarked, “There will be opposition to all infrastructure projects, but drinking water must be provided.”

News by Rahul Yelligetti.