Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar stated that the pending works of the Yettinahole project will start within a week. He also disclosed the allocation of 5,300 acres of land to the Forest Department for the Mekedatu project. Following a meeting at Vidhana Soudha on various projects, he mentioned the directive from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the state government to pay Rs 257 crore towards project-related penalties and mitigation measures.
Shivakumar highlighted plans for a detailed land survey in the Tumakuru region to facilitate project implementation. Efforts are underway to provide water to Chikkaballapur and Kolar promptly. He confirmed the acceptance of conditions set by the Environment Ministry for the Yettinahole project, emphasizing ongoing land transfers to meet project requirements and clearances.
Regarding the Yettinahole, Bhadra Upper Canal, and Mekedatu projects, Shivakumar mentioned a recent meeting involving concerned legislators and officials, including Revenue, Forest, and Home Ministers. He indicated progress in negotiations with the Revenue Department for the transfer of land to the Forest Department. The Detailed Project Report for the Mekedatu project has been prepared and will undergo further review by the competent committee for approvals.
