<p>Belagavi: Public Works Department and District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Tuesday directed officials of the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) to ensure that water drawn from Hidkal Dam for industrial use in Dharwad district does not exceed the allotted quantity. He stressed that the interests of Belagavi’s farmers and residents must be safeguarded.</p><p>Speaking to reporters here, Jarkiholi said that although 0.5 TMC of water has been officially allocated for Dharwad’s industrial needs by a government-level committee, KNNL officials in Belagavi had raised objections. “Despite their concerns, the allocation was approved. Now it is the responsibility of officials to strictly monitor usage and ensure that no more than the allotted amount is drawn,” he said.</p><p>“A total of 0.5 TMC of water has been allocated for industrial purposes in Dharwad, and we are neither concerned with nor aware of any proposal to allocate additional water for meeting the 24/7 drinking water requirements of the border town. There is no scope for such a move, as the interests of Belagavi district’s farmers and residents must take precedence,” he added.</p><p>The minister also mentioned that several irrigation projects launched during the previous term of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are either nearing completion or progressing steadily. The chief minister is expected to visit Belagavi next month to inaugurate completed projects and lay foundation stones for major works including the new deputy commissioner’s office complex, an elevated corridor, and a road overbridge.</p><p>On the issue of Belagavi district bifurcation, Jarkiholi said, “We too support the bifurcation for administrative convenience, but such a decision must be taken at the government level.” He criticised BJP leaders for demanding the division now, noting that they failed to act when their party was in power.</p><p>Responding to questions about AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala’s visit to Bengaluru, Jarkiholi said, “I did not meet him as I was not invited. He was only meeting party MLAs.”</p>
<p>Belagavi: Public Works Department and District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Tuesday directed officials of the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) to ensure that water drawn from Hidkal Dam for industrial use in Dharwad district does not exceed the allotted quantity. He stressed that the interests of Belagavi’s farmers and residents must be safeguarded.</p><p>Speaking to reporters here, Jarkiholi said that although 0.5 TMC of water has been officially allocated for Dharwad’s industrial needs by a government-level committee, KNNL officials in Belagavi had raised objections. “Despite their concerns, the allocation was approved. Now it is the responsibility of officials to strictly monitor usage and ensure that no more than the allotted amount is drawn,” he said.</p><p>“A total of 0.5 TMC of water has been allocated for industrial purposes in Dharwad, and we are neither concerned with nor aware of any proposal to allocate additional water for meeting the 24/7 drinking water requirements of the border town. There is no scope for such a move, as the interests of Belagavi district’s farmers and residents must take precedence,” he added.</p><p>The minister also mentioned that several irrigation projects launched during the previous term of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah are either nearing completion or progressing steadily. The chief minister is expected to visit Belagavi next month to inaugurate completed projects and lay foundation stones for major works including the new deputy commissioner’s office complex, an elevated corridor, and a road overbridge.</p><p>On the issue of Belagavi district bifurcation, Jarkiholi said, “We too support the bifurcation for administrative convenience, but such a decision must be taken at the government level.” He criticised BJP leaders for demanding the division now, noting that they failed to act when their party was in power.</p><p>Responding to questions about AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala’s visit to Bengaluru, Jarkiholi said, “I did not meet him as I was not invited. He was only meeting party MLAs.”</p>
