Karnataka govt scraps Israel-model irrigation scheme

Agriculture Minister B C Patil came under fire from JD(S) MLAs for junking the Rs 150 crore Israel Model irrigation project in different taluks of the state.

Patil’s reaction that he was unaware of where the funds went, prompted the legislators to question the accountability of his department in dealing with the funds. Some JD(S) legislators also stormed into the well of the House protesting the decision to scrap the project launched by former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

Responding to a query by JD(S) MLA Naganagouda Kandkur (Gurmatkal) on the progress of the Israel Model project, Patil, in his written response said, “... (the) programme could not be implemented as the allocation was not provided in the
Budget.”

Patil added that though Rs 150 crore was allocated under the capital head in the 2018-19 budget, it was not transferred under the revenue head, due to which the project was not implemented.

This enraged JD(S) legislator KM Shivalinge Gowda, who lashed out at the government for junking the scheme. “Where did the money go,” he asked. This was followed by a brief protest by JD(S) MLAs, who were soon convinced by Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi to return to their seats.

Patil, replying to Gowda’s queries, said that he, too, was not aware under what head the funds were transferred elsewhere, noting that funds have not been allocated for the scheme in the last two budgets. The minister assured to take it up with the chief minister and discuss reviving the project.