Latest news with #Kalasa-BanduriProject
Hans India
12-07-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Delhi visit proves productive on irrigation projects: Shivakumar
Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar announced that his recent visit to Delhi regarding Karnataka's key irrigation projects yielded positive developments. He confirmed that the Union Government responded favourably, particularly in relation to the Yettinahole Project. Speaking to media persons at Kempegowda International Airport, Shivakumar said, 'Our discussions with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Paatil on the Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal notification and the appraisal report for the Mekedatu Project were encouraging. We also spoke with Union Forest Minister Bhupender Yadav regarding the Kalasa-Banduri Project. Minister Prahlad Joshi suggested diplomatic resolution between the states. We've also consulted legal experts after Goa issued a showcause notice, which we believe is unjustified.' The Deputy CM further stated that proposals for new irrigation initiatives have been submitted. He plans to revisit Delhi during the upcoming Parliament session, along with state MPs, to intensify follow-up efforts. Responding to concerns about opposition to the Lakkenahalli dam site under the Yettinahole Project, he said, 'All infrastructure projects face initial resistance. Drinking water supply is a priority, and we must find suitable locations for water storage. Alongside Lakkenahalli, we are also considering areas in Koratagere. We will discuss this in the next Cabinet meeting after consultations with Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara.' Clarifying that no political discussions took place during his Delhi visit, DCM Shivakumar stated, 'We only discussed the allocation of responsibilities for party workers who have contributed at the taluk and district levels. Our recommendations will be resubmitted to the High Command for approval.' When asked about Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's statement regarding MLA support, Shivakumar responded, 'I am the KPCC President and function according to the party's directives. Since the Chief Minister has responded to those questions already, there is no need for further clarification from my end.' He also declined to comment on personal political aspirations, 'There is no confusion or panic within the party. Aspirations exist for many, but I see no reason to respond to speculative questions.'
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Karnataka CM buzz: DK Shivakumar says no cabinet reshuffle, meets Priyanka Gandhi in Delhi
Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and state deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. (ANI) NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said there is no plan to change the leadership or reshuffle the cabinet in the Congress-led state government. "No cabinet reshuffle is on the cards. Myself and the chief minister are meeting central ministers to discuss various state issues," Shivakumar told reporters. When asked about reports suggesting he may take over as chief minister after two and a half years of the government's term, Shivakumar said this was media speculation and clarified there is no such plan, news agency PTI reported. There has been ongoing speculation about a rotational chief minister arrangement between Shivakumar and chief minister Siddaramaiah after the Congress won the 2023 Assembly elections. Both leaders have publicly denied that any such agreement exists. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had also recently stated that there is no proposal for a reshuffle, and the media would be informed if a decision is made. Some ministers are reportedly being reviewed for performance and corruption issues, though the government or party leadership has not confirmed this. Meanwhile, D K Shivakumar also met senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at her residence in Delhi on Wednesday, fuelling speculation about leadership change in the state. However, Shivakumar remained tight-lipped about the details of the discussion. "I visited the place," he merely said, as quoted by news agency PTI. Shivakumar, who holds the water resources portfolio, said he met Union environment and jal shakti ministers on Tuesday to ask for clearances for several water projects, including the Yettinahole and Kalasa-Banduri projects. Speaking about the Yettinahole Integrated Water Supply Project, he said the Centre has paused work in Tumkur and Hassan districts due to forest land concerns. 'We have given alternative land and sought early forest clearance so that work can continue,' he said. The project aims to supply drinking water to around 75 lakh people across 6,657 villages and 38 towns in southern Karnataka. On the Kalasa-Banduri Project, he said the tender has been issued and early forest clearance is being requested. He added that the Goa government had issued a show cause notice in 2023 objecting to work in the Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary area. 'It is a drinking water project and will not affect Goa. Goa cannot dictate us. Let the central government decide this matter,' he said. He also said the Karnataka government is considering withdrawing a case in the Supreme Court on this matter and is seeking legal advice. Shivakumar further urged the Centre to issue a gazette notification for the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal verdict on river water allocation among Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. 'Twice the meeting was postponed without any reasons. I was told a meeting will be held this month on this issue,' he said.
