Revised estimate for Upper Bhadra project approved

The State government has accorded administrative approval for the revised estimate of Rs 12,340 crore for the Upper Bhadra project, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said on Wednesday.

Speaking to reporters, he said that the Water Resources department would soon initiate steps to prepare a detailed project report.

The project, which envisages to irrigate 2.25 lakh hectares of land, will be taken up at the earliest. Tumakuru, Sira, Kadur, Hosadurga, Hiriyur and Chikkanayakanahalli towns will get drinking water supply once the project is implemented, he added.

The government is planning to increase the income ceiling of Rs 2 lakh for purchasing agriculture land. The Karnataka Land Revenue Act will have to be amended for this purpose. The government will table an amendment bill in the coming budget session of the legislature, if possible, he added.

The government has decided to convert 60 fast-track courts that were recently sanctioned to permanent courts. As many as 205 fast-track courts will be established in the State in a phased manner, he added.