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Karnataka Demands Fair Water Share: Shivakumar Seeks 40-45 TMC in River-Linking Push

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has formally urged the Central Government to allocate 40-45 TMC of water to the state under national river-linking projects, arguing current allocations are insufficient. He highlighted that under the Godavari-Cauvery link, Karnataka receives only 15.90 TMC of a 148 TMC capacity, while the Bedthi-Varada link allocates 18.50 TMC despite both rivers lying within the state. The state has approved a ₹10,000 crore Detailed Project Report for the Bedthi-Varada link, with 90% central funding. Shivakumar also pressed for central intervention on pending projects like Mahadayi, Mekedatu, and funding for Bengaluru Metro's cost escalation.

Key Points: Karnataka Seeks 40-45 TMC Water in River-Linking Projects

  • Demands 40-45 TMC under river-linking
  • Seeks extra 5 TMC for Bhima basin
  • Bedthi-Varada DPR cost ₹10,000 crore
  • Pursues funds for Metro, Mahadayi, Mekedatu
3 min read

Shivakumar urges Centre to allocate 40-45 TMC water to Karnataka under river-linking project

Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar urges Centre for increased water allocation under river-linking projects, details state's demands for Bhima basin, Bedthi-Varada, and pending clearances.

"We have appealed for 40-45 TMC of water for Karnataka under the river-linking project. - D.K. Shivakumar"

New Delhi, Dec 24

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said he has urged the Centre to allocate at least 40-45 TMC of water to the state under the river-linking project.

Addressing a press conference at Karnataka Bhavan here, Shivakumar said the state has also sought the release of an additional 5 TMC of water to the Bhima river basin.

"We have appealed for 40-45 TMC of water for Karnataka under the river-linking project. We have also requested the Centre to release an additional 5 TMC of water to the Bhima basin," he said.

Shivakumar said the National Water Development Authority (NWDA), formed under the leadership of the Union Jal Shakti Minister to oversee river-linking projects, held its 24th meeting on Wednesday. The meeting discussed the Godavari-Cauvery and Bedthi-Varada river-linking projects.

"In the first phase of the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project, which has a total capacity of 148 TMC, Karnataka has been allocated only 15.90 TMC. We have sought details regarding the coverage area and utilisation of this allocation," he said.

He noted that the Bedthi and Varada rivers lie entirely within Karnataka, yet the state has been allocated 18.50 TMC under the project. "The total allocation to Karnataka under these projects stands at 34.40 TMC," he added.

Shivakumar said the state government has given the go-ahead for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Bedthi-Varada river-linking project, which is estimated to cost ₹10,000 crore. "The Centre will bear 90 per cent of the cost, while the state will contribute 10 per cent," he said.

Referring to the Supreme Court ruling, Shivakumar said the Jal Shakti Ministry has been informed that Karnataka would submit all required documents within two months. "We have demanded the release of promised central funds and issuance of the Gazette notification for the Upper Krishna project," he said.

He also said the state has sought the Centre's intervention with the Environment Ministry regarding the Mahadayi project. "The Union Jal Shakti Minister has assured me of a separate meeting to discuss all pending projects, including the Jal Jeevan Mission," he added.

On urban infrastructure, Shivakumar said he met Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday and discussed approvals for several pending projects. "We have requested approval for the cost escalation of Bengaluru Metro Phase II. The DPR was prepared 15 years ago at a cost of Rs 26,000 crore, which has now escalated to Rs 40,000 crore," he said.

Responding to a query on the Mekedatu project, Shivakumar said the state would first submit documents to the Centre. "A revised DPR is being prepared. We also need to assess the extent of forest land required and the alternative land to be provided in place of it," he said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Water is life, especially for our rural areas. The Bhima basin request is crucial. But I hope this isn't just political talk before elections. We've seen promises on river projects come and go for decades. Action is needed, not just appeals in Delhi.
A
Arun Y
The Bedthi-Varada project is entirely within Karnataka and we still have to beg for allocation? This shows how centralised these decisions are. At least 90% funding by Centre is a good deal, but we must ensure the DPR is solid and no delays happen.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Bengaluru, the metro cost escalation is shocking. From 26k to 40k crore! While water is critical, urban infrastructure is collapsing. Hope the approvals come fast. The city is choking.
K
Karthik V
The mention of Mahadayi is key. That's a sensitive issue with Goa. Need careful handling and central intervention. Overall, a comprehensive approach by the minister. Fingers crossed for the farmers in North Karnataka.
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Meera T
With all respect to the minister's efforts, I'm concerned. These massive linking projects have huge ecological costs. Are we properly assessing the environmental impact on river ecosystems and forests? The Mekedatu note about forest land is worrying. Sustainable solutions are needed.

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