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India Gazette
11-07-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Delhi visit fruitful on irrigation issues: Karnataka DyCM DK Shivakumar
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], July 11 (ANI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday described his visit to the national capital as 'fruitful' on irrigation issues. Shivakumar, responding to the media queries at Kempegowda International Airport, said, 'During the Delhi trip, I met Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil and discussed the notification regarding the Krishna Tribunal verdict and the appraisal report of the Mekedatu project. I met Forest Minister Bhupendra Yadav and discussed the Kalasa Banduri issue. I also spoke to Prahlad Joshi on this issue. He has suggested a compromise between the two states. We have approached the Supreme Court, and there are some technicalities in this matter. The Goans said that it is not right for us to have a show cause notice, and we have discussed it with legal experts.' Shivakumar said that the Karnataka government has submitted request for new projects. 'In addition, we have submitted a request for new projects. During the Parliament session, we will go to Delhi again, discuss it with the state MPs and request them to impose pressure together.' When asked about the opposition to the construction of a dam in Lakkenahalli in connection with the Yettinahole project, he said, 'No matter what project you do, including roads and dams, there will be opposition. Drinking water must be supplied. This water must be stored everywhere. We had thought that not only Lakkenahalli, but also some areas in the Koratagere area should be used. It is impossible to say how the water will flow. This issue will be discussed with Parameshwar and discussed in the next cabinet.' DK Shivakumar denied that the too and fro with the party high command in Delhi had anything to do with a possible change in the state leadership. 'What political discussions took place? There was a discussion about giving some status to our workers. All the MLAs have submitted their opinions. Those who have worked hard in the party organization at the taluk and district levels and some others should be given status as per the promise we made. This has reached the final stage. The proposal for this will be sent to Delhi again and permission will be sought.' DK Shivakumar refused to get into the issue of party leadership signalling that he had accepted the decision of the party bosses. 'I am the party's state president. I will do whatever the party says. I was busy yesterday. In the meantime, I saw the Chief Minister's statement. He himself has answered your questions. After he has answered, it is not appropriate for us to discuss that issue again. It is also not appropriate for you to ask questions on that issue again,' he said 'Many of you also have many desires. I will not comment on this issue. There is no need for that. Whoever has spoken has answered all the questions. For now, I will not give any answer,' he added. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
'No cabinet reshuffle on cards': DK Shivakumar dismisses rumours over Karnataka government
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday dismissed speculation about leadership change in the Congress-led government in the state, saying there are currently no plans to alter the cabinet composition. The Karnataka Congress has been under scrutiny over reports of a rotational chief minister arrangement between Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah,(PTI) "No cabinet reshuffle is on the cards. Myself and the chief minister are meeting central ministers to discuss various state issues," Shivakumar told reporters. When asked about the buzz that he will take over as chief minister after completion of two-and-half-years of the Congress government in the state, Shivakumar termed it media speculation and clarified there is no such plan. The Karnataka Congress has been under scrutiny over reports of a rotational chief minister arrangement between Shivakumar and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah following the party's victory in the 2023 Assembly elections. While both leaders have publicly denied any such formal agreement, speculation continues to persist within party circles. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had recently said there is no proposal before the party for an immediate reshuffle and that the media would be informed if such a decision were made. While few ministers are reportedly under scrutiny for performance and corruption concerns, these claims have not been officially acknowledged by the government or party leadership. Shivakumar said Siddaramaiah is meeting Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to seek permission for an air show that has become a signature event during Mysuru Dasara, celebrated in September-end. He also said four vacant MLC positions will be filled before the next assembly session. Shivakumar, who also holds the water resources portfolio, said he met Union Environment and Jal Shakti ministers on Tuesday and demanded early clearance of several water projects, including the Yettinahole Project and Kalasa Banduri project. On the Yettinahole Integrated Water Supply project, the deputy chief minister said the Centre has stalled works in Tumkur and Hassan districts citing forest land issues. "We have given alternative land and sought early forest clearance so that work can continue," he said. The project addresses acute drinking water shortages in drought-prone districts of southern Karnataka and aims to supply water to approximately 75 lakh people across 6,657 villages and 38 towns. The deputy chief minister said he also sought early forest clearance for the Kalasa-Banduri Project from the Centre, saying the tender has already been issued. In the meeting, he informed that the Goa government issued a show cause notice to Karnataka in 2023 objecting to works falling under Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary. "It is a drinking water project and will not affect Goa. Goa cannot dictate us. Let the central government decide this matter," he said. He said the state government plans to withdraw a case filed in the Supreme Court in this regard and is taking legal opinion on the same. Shivakumar also demanded that the Union government issue a gazette notification for the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal verdict concerning the allocation of Krishna river waters among the riparian states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana. "Twice the meeting was postponed without any reasons. I was told a meeting will be held this month on this issue," he added.
The Hindu
28-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Protest rally against Mahadayi basin projects in Belagavi on June 3
A protest rally will be held by members of various organisations in Belagavi on June 3 to oppose plans of the government of Karnataka to take up irrigation projects in the Mahadayi river basin. The rally will begin at Sardar's High School Ground and end at the Deputy Commissioner's office. Environmentalists like Sagar Dhara, S.R. Hiremath, Suresh Heblikar, and Shivaji Kagnikar are expected to participate. This was announced in a meeting in Belagavi on May 27. Environmentalists, farmers and leaders of various organisations launched the 'Our Water Our Right' campaign, and vowed to fight against projects that had the potential to damage the fragile ecosystem of the Western Ghats. Dilip Kamath, activist, spoke in detail about the possible negative impact of the Mahadayi basin projects on the Western Ghats in Belagavi. He said the extensive deforestation and submergence of forests in the Khanapur region could dry up the two rivers — Malaprabha and Mahadayi — and lead to the disastrous effect of desertification of northern Karnataka. Citing from the Gadgil Report and Kasturi Rangan Reports, he said that unchecked non-forest activities in the Western Ghats could threaten the existence of these forests that were considered ecological hot spots. 'The two reports had advised against deforestation and projects that could damage the forests. The reports were meticulously prepared and had documented the trees and wildlife in the region. They had called for concerted efforts to protect the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, including the Khanapur forests that are part of the region,' he said. 'The report highlighted the biodiversity of the Western Ghats and the immense benefits it brings to the country, providing a detailed report on the protection of the Western Ghats. However, the Kalasa Banduri Nala projects could damage the ecology of the Western Ghats. Therefore, everyone needs to join hands for the survival of the Western Ghats by abandoning the Kalasa Banduri project,' Mr. Kamat said. Sujit Mulgund, a social activist, said that unscientific projects had diverted water away from Belagavi to other districts. Drinking water from the Malaprabha river is being supplied from Belagavi district to Hubballi-Dharwad cities, and new projects are being planned to divert Ghataprabha water from Hidkal dam to Dharwad industrial area. 'But then, farmers in Bagalkot and Ramdurg taluks are using water from the Malaprabha reservoir to grow two crops, while farmers in Navalgund, Nargund, and Dharwad are using this water for more than two crops. The amount of water used from the Malaprabha reservoir has now increased, with claims that the downstream population has increased. But the water is being misused for non-native water guzzling crops,' he said. Shashikant Nayak, former minister and farmers' leader, said that the government of Karnataka had allowed industries in Dharwad to take water from Hidkal dam, without taking the farmers of Belagavi into confidence. 'This could lead to a shortage of drinking water in the Belagavi area,' he said. He said farmers would strongly oppose the Mahadayi river water diversion project and fight till it was abandoned, as it could harm the Western Ghats. Captain Nitin Dhond, environmentalist, said studies by IISc scientists and researchers from the Norway Institute for Water Research had highlighted the serious negative impact of the Mahadayi river basin projects. He said it could affect the Malaprabha river, the Western Ghats, the Bhimgad wildlife sanctuary and the Mahadayi river. Advocate Nitin Bolbandi, farmer leader Chunappa Poojeri, Sidagouda Modagi, Mallesh Chougale, Nyla Coelo, Geeta Sahu, Neeta Potdar, Sunita Patil, Colonel Ravindra Saini, ISKCON representatives, environmentalists, farmer leaders, and Dalit leaders were present.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
‘Our Water Our Right' campaign: Greens, forums to hold protest
Belagavi: Environmentalists and leaders of various organisations, who are fighting for the survival of Mahadayi and the Western Ghats under the slogan 'Our Water Our Right' campaign, decided to take up a massive protest in Belagavi on June 3 to raise awareness. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The leaders, who held a meeting at the Maratha Mandir in Belagavi on Tuesday, reached a unanimous decision in this regard. Dilip Kamath, an environmentalist, said that the Gadgil Report and Kasturirangan Report were submitted to the central govt in the past. The Gadgil Report, which meticulously analysed the extinction and survival of the Western Ghats, warned that no activities that could harm the environment should be carried out in the vicinity of the Western Ghats region. The report also highlighted the biodiversity of the Western Ghats region and the immense benefits it brings to the country, providing a detailed report on the protection of the Western Ghats. Everyone needs to join hands for the survival of the Western Ghats by abandoning the Kalasa Banduri project. Sujit Mulgund, a social activist, said that water is already being supplied to Hubballi-Dharwad through Malaprabha reservoir. Farmers in Bagalkot and Ramdurg taluks are using water from the Malaprabha reservoir to grow two crops, while farmers in Navalgund, Nargund, and Dharwad are using this water for more than two crops. The amount of water used from the Malaprabha reservoir has increased, with claims that this project is for drinking water. Representatives and officials of the area informed that the areas of Hubballi, Dharwad, Navalgund, and Nargund will not face any shortage of drinking water till 2041. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now They expressed concern that work is now underway to transport more water to the twin cities through a pipeline, which could lead to a shortage of drinking water in the Belagavi area. The Mahadayi diversion project will be abandoned as it will harm the Western Ghats. Captain Nitin Dhond, an environmentalist, stated that the Mahadayi River travels approximately 1,500 kilometres from its source to the sea. The Malaprabha River plays a significant role in environmental protection by providing habitat for numerous plants and trees. It is a good move to supply drinking water to Hubballi and Dharwad from the Malaprabha reservoir. Belgaum may face drinking water problems in the future as more water is lifted from the Malaprabha River to supply water to industrial areas of Hubballi, Dharwad, and sugar factories of politicians. Therefore, it is not appropriate to implement any projects here which will harm the Malaprabha River and the Western Ghats. Advocate Nitin Bolbandi, farmer leader Chunappa Poojeri, Sidagouda Modagi, Mallesh Chougale, environmentalists, farmer leaders, and Dalit leaders were present.
