Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, has requested the Central government to allocate 40-45 TMC of water for the state as part of the river-linking project. Additionally, he has asked for an extra 5 TMC of water for the Bhima river basin. The National Water Development Authority recently discussed the Godavari-Cauvery and Bedthi-Varada river-linking projects in its 24th meeting.
Shivakumar highlighted that Karnataka has been allocated only 15.90 TMC out of the total 148 TMC capacity in the first phase of the Godavari-Cauvery project. He emphasized the need for more details on the coverage area and utilization of this allocation. Despite the Bedthi and Varada rivers being within Karnataka, the state has been allocated 18.50 TMC under the project, bringing the total allocation to 34.40 TMC.
The state government has approved the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Bedthi-Varada river-linking project, estimated at ₹10,000 crore. While the Centre will cover 90% of the cost, the state will contribute the remaining 10%. Shivakumar also mentioned the state’s commitment to submitting all required documents within two months as per a Supreme Court ruling, urging the release of central funds and the Gazette notification for the Upper Krishna project.
Regarding urban infrastructure, Shivakumar discussed pending projects with Union Urban Development Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, seeking approvals for Bengaluru Metro Phase II’s cost escalation. He informed that the DPR cost has risen from Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 40,000 crore over 15 years. When asked about the Mekedatu project, he stated that the state will submit documents to the Centre, including a revised DPR and assessments on forest land requirements and alternatives.
