Legislators seek session on Krishna projects

Demand Rs 10,000 cr for speedy implementation, rehabilitation of affected

A grant of Rs 10,000 crore has been sought for the speedy implementation of Almatti, Hippargi and Mulavada projects and for rehabilitation of the people affected by the projects.

The elected representatives from the two districts, along with farmers’ leaders and irrigation experts, welcomed the move of the government in seeking a clarification on the Krishna River Water Tribunal award.

The meeting also decided to impress upon the government to set up a high-level committee comprising legislators, irrigation experts and farmers for monitoring the various works in the Krishna basin.

Speaking to reporters, Minor Irrigation Minister Govind Karjol said Krishna river was the lifeline of North Karnataka region, and safeguarding the interests of the farmers in the region was the top priority of the State government.

JD(U) State president M P Nadagouda said the government should show the same interest in implementing projects in Krishna basin as it did with projects in the
Cauvery basin.

Referring to the release of eight tmc ft to 10 tmc ft from Almatti to Andhra Pradesh during the “dry” months of June and July, the meeting wondered why such a direction was not issued to Maharashtra by the Tribunal.

Later, the elected representatives met Chief Minister Yeddyurappa and submitted a memorandum in this regard. Yeddyurappa said he had earmarked about Rs 7,000 crore for irrigation projects in the 2011-12 budget and he would release more money if necessary. A meeting of the elected representatives of the Krishna basin region would be called after April 9, he added.