Funds for pending irrigation projects soon, pledges CM

Asserts Gram Panchayat polls will be held on time

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said priority being irrigation and completion of all pending irrigation projects, the State government is releasing fund for the purpose.

Speaking after inaugurating the first phase of Varahi irrigation project here on Monday, he said the government had pledged to release around Rs 50,000 crore for completion of pending irrigation projects in the State.

The assurance was given during the padyatra held from Hospet to Kudalasangama. However, the opposition has mistaken the assurance and is spreading rumors, that the entire amount would be spent on Upper Krishna irrigation project. It is untrue and the amount would be spent on all pending irrigation projects in State.

As many as 19 per cent of total budget is earmarked for the purpose. Rs 10,000 crore was allotted in the first year and the amount would be around Rs 13,000 crore in the third year of the Congress-rule in State. He said although Rs one lakh crore is needed to complete all the irrigation projects, the State government would try the best to do the needy.

He assured that Varahi irrigation project would be a reality by another two years, which would be able to release water to 40000 acres (15,700 hectares) of farm land. He said the first phase would successfully irrigate 6,000 acres of agriculture land, he added.

Historic moment

Ridiculing the opposition for not being present on the historic moment, the CM said opposition is only interested in criticism. The project which remained incomplete for nearly 35 years is finally becoming a reality. However, the opposition is not interested to be part of the momentous occasion. He said nearly 25 years was spent deliberating over the purpose of the project and finally in 2003, the project was handed over to Irrigation Department.

He said the works to complete the canals, distributory channels would be taken up. Asserting that majority work of Varahi project was done by the Congress government, the CM said the concerned department is directed to complete all the irrigation projects in State within the stipulated time.

He said the State government is also concentrating on improving the livelihood of the farmers. He said the farmer would not be as happy as even D grade worker, given the uncertainties in the occupation.

Emphasising over the State government’s report on Kasturirangan recommendations, he said the report appeals for dropping of human habitat area under the purview of Ecologically Senstive Areas (ESAs).

The CM added that the State government is always committed and concerned towards the public problems. Asserting the gram panchayat polls would be held on time, the CM said that Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP should stop spreading unnecessary speculations. He said the gram panchayat polls would be held in June with two additional amendments—compulsory voting and the term of the President would be extended to five years as against the present two and half years.

He said the term of the taluk panchayat President will also extended to five years as against the present 20 months. The issue concerning Kumki land is within the purview of revenue department and it would be considered with certain legal amendments.