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Karnataka's Water Battle: Why Shivakumar Fights for Rs 5300 Crore Irrigation Funds

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met with Supreme Court advocates to address pending irrigation funds. He emphasized the urgency of the Mekedatu dam case and Krishna water disputes that have been delayed for years. Shivakumar revealed the Centre has withheld Rs 5300 crore allocated for irrigation projects in the budget. The deputy CM challenged state BJP leaders to join him in pressuring the central government for immediate fund release.

Key Points: DK Shivakumar Meets SC Advocates Over Karnataka Irrigation Funds

  • Meeting focused on Mekedatu dam case scheduled in Supreme Court tomorrow
  • Krishna water dispute pending resolution since year 2013
  • Central government withholding Rs 5300 crore budgeted irrigation funds
  • Challenged BJP leaders to jointly pressure Centre for project funds
2 min read

Karnataka Dy CM DK Shivakumar holds meeting with Supreme Court advocates regarding pending funds for irrigation

Karnataka Deputy CM pushes for Mekedatu dam and Krishna water funds, challenges BJP leaders to join Delhi pressure campaign for farmers.

"Let them accept or let them reject it. We want to build the dam in our state. - DK Shivakumar"

New Delhi, November 6

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar held a meeting with Supreme Court advocates regarding the pending funds for irrigation at Karnataka Bhavan on Wednesday. "There are two important issues. On the Mekedatu dam issue, the case is supposed to come tomorrow. It has been delaying and delaying. We don't want it to be delayed further. Let them accept or let them reject it. We want to build the dam in our (state). It doesn't affect Tamil Nadu. So we want to press before the court. We want to give a clear direction from the government. I met my officials and my legal team on what has to be done," DK Shivakumar told reporters.

Speaking on the Krishna water issue, Karnataka Deputy CM said, "It has been pending since 2013. It has also been delayed. We have taken a stand. From next year, we are going to release funds to all the farmers on the Compensate Consent Award. So we don't want to delay. Already, we have invested a lot of money in the development of that area. Now we want to take it forward because when we start giving the money, at the same time, we should be ready to raise the dam. So when we want to raise the dam, the central government has to award. Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are not cooperating in that...So, I had a brief meeting on this."

In October, he challenged the state BJP leaders to join hands with him in putting pressure on the Centre to secure funds for the state's irrigation projects.

Addressing Congress party workers and block workers, he said, "If state BJP leaders have concern and commitment for the state, let them come with me to Delhi to put pressure and get funds for Upper Krishna, Mekedatu, Mahadayi and other irrigation projects."

"I have met Union Ministers and the PM for funds for irrigation, but to no avail. The Centre has not released the Rs 5300 crore announced in the budget. The BJP and Union government are not concerned about farmers," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see DK Shivakumar taking initiative. But why only now? These issues have been pending for years. Political blame games won't help farmers. All parties should work together for Karnataka's development.
A
Arjun K
Mekedatu dam is crucial for Bengaluru's water security. Tamil Nadu's objections are baseless - the project doesn't affect their water share. Centre should support Karnataka's legitimate rights. Jai Karnataka! 💪
S
Sarah B
As someone working in agriculture sector, I appreciate the focus on irrigation funds. But implementation is key - hope the money reaches actual farmers and doesn't get stuck in bureaucracy.
V
Vikram M
The interstate water disputes need permanent solutions. Andhra and Maharashtra should cooperate for regional development. Water is fundamental right for all states, not a political tool.
M
Michael C
Rs 5300 crore pending from Centre is huge amount! This affects thousands of farmers' livelihoods. Hope both state and central governments prioritize this issue over political differences.

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