Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite approvals and funding for various pending infrastructure projects in the state. In a meeting in New Delhi, Shivakumar highlighted 18 key issues that need immediate attention from the Central Government, including areas like irrigation, transportation, healthcare, and urban development. He emphasized that these delays are hindering the state’s development priorities and economic contributions to the country.
Shivakumar specifically called for quick clearance of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project on the Cauvery River and urged the Centre to notify the award of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II. He also sought the release of promised funds for projects like the Upper Bhadra Project and the Kalasa-Banduri Nala projects. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of these projects in benefiting farmers and addressing water scarcity in various regions of Karnataka.
Additionally, Shivakumar appealed for approvals and financial support for irrigation and flood-management projects under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana. He also requested the state’s rightful share of water under the Inter-Linking of Rivers program and urged the allocation of water for river-linking projects. The Chief Minister further highlighted the need for infrastructure development in Bengaluru, including projects like the Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road, Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, and Bengaluru-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor.
Shivakumar stressed the importance of environmental clearances for energy projects like the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project and called for financial support for the Kalyana Karnataka region. He also pushed for the establishment of public sector undertakings in North Karnataka and the approval of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences at Raichur. The Chief Minister concluded by expressing hope for the Union Government’s intervention to address these critical issues and strengthen cooperative federalism for Karnataka’s continued growth.
