PANAJI
The Karnataka government is hopeful that the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) will issue necessary forest clearance for its proposed controversial Kalsa- Bhandura Mhadei river diversion project.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah while presenting the State budget 2025-26 on March 7, said that the government had awarded contract for Mhadei diversion project with certain conditions and the work for the project will commence as soon as necessary approvals are received from the Centre.
“In anticipation of clearances from Government of India regarding the usage of 3.90 TMC water under the Kalsa-Bhandura Canal Diversion Project, contract has been awarded with certain conditions. Works will commence as soon as the necessary approval is received from the central government,” he said.
In his budget speech, Siddaramaiah, however, did not make any commitment on completing the works at Almatti Dam but said “efforts” would be made to carry out land acquisition of areas to be submerged due to the height increasing work under UKP-3 scheme and disbursement of compensation through the consent award.
The government assured to complete all the pending projects within the Krishna, Kaveri and other river basins in the current year. The Centre has announced Rs 5,300 crore grants in its budget in 2023-24 for the Upper Bhadra Project but till date has not released it.
People of North Karnataka have expressed anguish as the government has not made any additional provisions for the Kalsa project in the State budget that was presented earlier this week.
Meanwhile, a prominent activist and president of all Kannada associations pointed out that the delay in securing clearances from the Centre has stalled the implementation of the Mhadei Water Diversion project. They emphasized that without the Centre's approval for forest, wildlife, and environmental aspects, progress will remain at a standstill.
Several other activists have voiced their frustration and dissatisfaction with the indifferent and sluggish response from both the Central and State authorities regarding the implementation of the project. These activists have emphasized that despite repeated appeals and discussions, the concerned authorities have shown minimal urgency or commitment in advancing the project.
With Goa government raising objection to Mhadei diversion project and legal battle pending before the Supreme Court, the MoEF&CC has deferred decision on grant of forest clearance to the project.
Karnataka chief minister had made several representation to the Central authorities including Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite permission for the project.
