From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Oct 6: Karnataka chief minister H D Kumaraswamy has expressed confidence of getting the clearance from the Central Water Commission (CWC) for the proposed Rs 5,912 crore Mekedatu project on the Cauvery river.

The JD(S)-Congress coalition government’s chief minister called on Union Water Resources and Road, Transport and Highways minister Nitin Gadkari in the national capital on Friday and raised several issues including Mekedatu project, Mahadayi river as well as funds to repair national highways passing through the state.

"On the Mekedatu project, he (Gadkari) responded positively," he told reporters after the meeting, adding, "After today's talks, I am confident of getting approval any time soon."

The chief minister said the state will have to take forest and environment clearances from the central government after completing the formalities of getting the green signal from CWC, which is their first major hurdle.

Expressing concern over delay in construction of the Mekedatu dam project, Kumaraswamy said a lot of time has been wasted and there is an urgent need to minimise the spillage of surplus river water to the sea. "We have already released 346 tmc of water to Tamil Nadu. There is a spillage of over 200 tmc of surplus water into the sea. Had we saved this water, we could have used it next year in times of rainfall shortage. These facts have been brought to the notice of the Union Minister, who has further given necessary direction to CWC officials."

On the Mahadayi river water issue, Kumaraswamy said the state government has requested the Centre to issue a notification allowing it to utilise the water allotted by the Mahadayi River Water Tribunal.

With regards to roads, the chief minister sought more funds to repair highways in the state, which have been damaged due to recent floods.

"The state government demanded immediate release of Rs 250 crore to the state for undertaking reconstruction and rebuilding of the damaged national highways.

A 512.45 km stretch of national highways has been damaged in the state and the cost of reconstruction is estimated to be to the tune of Rs 781 crore, he said in a representation.

"As per the preliminary estimate, incessant rains/flash floods and landslides have damaged 2,910 km of national highways, state highways, major district roads, 419 bridges and 72 public buildings, causing a loss of Rs 2,078.88 crore."

The chief minister also requested Gadkari to fix a suitable time for laying the foundation stone of two highway projects in Hassan.