HDK meets Rajnath, Gadkari, discuss flood, Mekedatu

Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Road Transport and Water Resource Minister Nitin Gadkari on Friday and sought funds to take up relief works in flood-hit districts of the state, including Kodagu, Hassan, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Chikkamagaluru and Belagavi. He also sought permission to the Mekedatu reservoir project from the Union Government.

Flood relief

During the meeting, also attended by former prime minister H D Deve Gowda, the chief minister told Rajnath that the state has suffered around Rs 3,435 crore loss to both the public and private properties due to natural calamity.Despite the state government taking all steps to provide relief to the calamity-hit areas, the Centre has not taken any decision on releasing funds to the state so far. The Centre should take immediate decision to release funds under the National Disaster Relief Funds (NDRF), the chief minister said.

Kumaraswamy, in a memorandum, also said that the over Rs 2,078 crore worth roads, bridges and public buildings have been damaged due to the heavy rain. The Centre should release at least Rs 250 crore for repair works, he said.

The chief minister also brought to the home minister's notice that a high-level team sent by the Centre to asses the damage has submitted the report to the ministry and the government must take action in this regard. State Public Works Department Minister H D Revanna was present during the meeting.

Mekedatu dam

Kumaraswamy, during the meeting with the Union Minister, explained the project to him, stating that Karnataka would not deny Tamil Nadu (TN) its share of Cauvery river water, after building the reservoir across the river.

The proposed reservoir at Mekedatu, would store excess water which is now flowing into sea. Rather, it can be utilised to supply drinking water to a few towns in Ramanagara and Kanakapura taluks he added.

The CM stressed that Tamil Nadu need not worry about the project, as it would benefit TN also.

Kumaraswamy also invited Gadkari to the foundation stone laying ceremonies of two state road projects (Chikkamagaluru to Bilikere and Banavara to Huliyar).