Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 7: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday declared that Karnataka has completed preparatory works for the ambitious Mekedatu project, which will be executed once necessary clearances from the Centre are secured. However, Tamil Nadu remains staunchly opposed to the project.
Presenting the 2025-26 state budget, the Chief Minister asserted that all groundwork for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Scheme is done. “We will move forward as soon as we get the green light from the competent authorities,” he said.
On the Kalasa-Banduri Canal Diversion Project, facing resistance from Goa, Siddaramaiah stated that the contract has been awarded with conditions, anticipating approval from the Centre. Work will commence once clearance is granted.
He also assured that pending works in Krishna Valley, Kaveri Valley, and other river basins would be completed within this financial year. Additionally, Karnataka will hold talks with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to address the silt accumulation issue at the Tungabhadra Reservoir, which is impacting water storage. A decision on the Navali Balancing Reservoir will be taken soon.
Providing an update on the Yettinahole project, Siddaramaiah noted that water has been lifted up to 32.5 km and will be further supplied up to 241 km this year, with efforts to complete the project within schedule.
Expressing concern over the delay in the Rs 5,300 cr grant for the Upper Bhadra Project from the 2023-24 Union Budget, he assured that the state government is making provisions for the project’s completion.
The Tarikere Lift Irrigation Project has already benefited 49,790 acres, and an additional 1.77 lac acres have received irrigation facilities under the Chitradurga Branch Canal works, with 30 lakes filled across six taluks.
Under the Upper Krishna Phase-III Scheme, steps will be taken to acquire submerged lands and provide compensation, ensuring irrigation for another 2.01 lac acres.
Furthermore, Siddaramaiah announced that Karnataka will invest Rs 2,000 cr in modernizing lakes, dams, and lift irrigation projects this year, strengthening minor irrigation initiatives across the state.Bottom of Form