Karnataka Urges Centre to Clear Funds and Approvals for Key Water Projects

Speedy Summary:

• Karnataka Government’s Petition: Karnataka has approached the Centre for approvals related too three critical water projects – Yettinahole, Kalasa-Bhanduri (drinking water), and upper Bhadra (irrigation of arid areas).
• Yettinahole Project: Halted due to forestland acquisition challenges. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar proposed alternatives like providing revenue land in lieu of forestland and clearing Environment Ministry objections.

– ₹24,000 crore already spent; over half the work completed.
– Forest Department raised objections on dumped soil removal from forestland.

• Kalasa-Bhanduri project: Facing opposition from neighbouring Goa. Despite court rulings favoring Karnataka, Shivakumar urged stricter action by the Centre against objections and is exploring legal steps post discussion with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.
• Upper Bhadra Project: ₹5,300 crore allocated in Union Budget 2023-2024 under PMKSY-AIBP scheme but funds not released yet. Once operational, it will irrigate 2.25 lakh hectares across central Karnataka districts like Chikkamagaluru and Tumakuru.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The ongoing tussle between state-level aspirations and central approval highlights notable roadblocks for large-scale infrastructure projects in India. The Yettinahole project underscores environmental concerns as key impediments that require balanced solutions adhering to sustainability norms while addressing human needs effectively. The Kalasa-Bhanduri dispute suggests inter-state rivalry over shared resources requiring mediation rather than unilateral decision-making-emphasizing India’s need for cohesive federal policies on water resource management.

Meanwhile, delayed funding of critical irrigation initiatives like Upper Bhadra raises questions about prioritization within national schemes such as PMKSY-AIBP despite being approved during budget announcements. Resolving such administrative bottlenecks could greatly enhance agricultural productivity in drought-hit regions of Karnataka, preventing long-term socio-economic distress among affected populations.

While progress depends on efficient coordination among all stakeholders-states must focus on balancing localized interests against broader cooperative frameworks to ensure equitable resource utilization without excess politicization or ecological compromise.

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