Mounting pressure on the Centre, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to expedite clearances for key irrigation projects, including the long-pending Kalsa-Bhandura and Yettinahole water diversion projects.
During a visit to the national capital on Tuesday, Shivakumar met Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav to push for early approvals, especially for the stalled Kalsa-Bhandura project. “We have provided alternative land to the forest department to address the clearance issue,” he told reporters after the meeting.
He added that the Yettinahole drinking water project is already 60–70% complete, while the Kalsa-Bhandura project has been halted awaiting environmental approvals.
Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources portfolio, also met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to seek central assistance for the Upper Bhadra Project. “The Union Minister said they have arrived at some conclusions. I am also in touch with ministers from other states on this issue,” he said, expressing optimism about a resolution soon.
The renewed push comes amid Karnataka’s ongoing efforts to secure water resources for its drought-prone regions and meet growing drinking water demands.