New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has urged the Centre to expedite approvals and provide financial assistance for several major irrigation, infrastructure and development projects in the state, including the long-pending Mekedatu project.
During his Delhi visit, Shivakumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the NITI Aayog meeting and highlighted Karnataka’s key development priorities. He presented the Prime Minister with a statue of Basavanna, symbolising Karnataka’s cultural heritage.
Discussing the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, Shivakumar said the Supreme Court of India had already directed the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Central Water Commission to examine the matter. He requested the Prime Minister’s intervention to speed up the appraisal process and facilitate early approval.
The Chief Minister also raised issues related to the Kalasa-Banduri project, Bhadra Upper Bank project, Krishna river projects and implementation of the Krishna Tribunal award. He sought the release of funds announced for the Bhadra Upper Bank project.
Shivakumar further requested Centre’s support for several major initiatives, including the Bengaluru Urban Development package, Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project, Bengaluru-Mumbai High-Speed Rail Corridor, Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project, Kalyan Karnataka development grant and establishment of an AIIMS in Raichur.
He also met Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and sought additional financial assistance for Karnataka’s economic reforms, urban development and rural infrastructure projects.
The Chief Minister said Centre-state cooperation was essential for accelerating Karnataka’s growth and implementing major public infrastructure initiatives.
