DCM submits appeal to Union Jal Shakthi minister seeking approvals and funds for irrigation projects

Bengaluru Express
New Delhi, Feb 26: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also holds Irrigation portfolio, today sought approvals and financial aid for six new irrigation projects in Karnataka besides appealing for approvals and release of funds for existing irrigation projects.

The DCM called on the Union Jal Shakthi Minister C R Patil and submitted an appeal earlier today. The submissions sought funding for six fresh proposals, estimated to cost Rs 11,123 crore, under the PMKSY scheme.

The six new proposals are: flood management and border area programme at Bennehalla; creation of fresh irrigation potential of 16,000 hectares under Sonthi lift irrigation project across Bhima river; Extension, Renovation and Modernisation (ERM) works at Malaprabha canal systems, Indi branch canal under Upper Krishna project, Ghataprabha right bank canal, Chikkodi branch canal and Tungabhadra left bank canal. These proposed projects will benefit Vijayapura, Dharwad, Belagavi, Bagalkot, Gadag, Koppal and Raichur districts.

The written submission to the Union Jal Shakthi Minister also raised issues pertaining to other existing irrigation projects in Karnataka – approvals for Mekedatu project, central assistance for Upper Bhadra project, Gazette notification for KWDT-II award, clearance for Kalasa-Bhanduri nala projects, diversion of surplus water from Mahanadi-Godavari basin to Krishna-Cauvery and Pennar-Palar basin.

The DCM informed the Union Jal Shakthi Minister that he would shortly submit a proposal for automation of dams and canal systems to enhance efficient irrigation management. The Union Jal Shakthi Ministry asked the DCM to resubmit the Yettinahole drinking water project proposal through the RDPR department for consideration under the Jal Jeevan Mission of the Union government. The proposal was submitted through the Irrigation department.

Union Minister of State for Jal Shakthi V Somanna, Minor Irrigation Minister Boseraju, Karnataka’s representative in Delhi T B Jayachandra, Irrigation department additional chief secretary Gaurav Gupta and others were present at the meeting.

About Author