Ministers Deliberate on Third Stage of UKP Project

Quick Summary:

• Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also handles the Water Resources portfolio, convened a meeting on Tuesday to discuss land acquisition and rehabilitation for the third stage of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP-III) in North Karnataka.
• The project involves increasing the full reservoir level of the Almatti dam from 519.6 meters to 524.26 meters.
• Ministers H.K. Patil (Law), M.B. Patil (Industries), and R.B. Thimmapur (Excise) attended the meeting to address pending litigation related to land acquisition for UKP-III.
• The project includes relocation of villages due to submerging of land and new lift irrigation schemes benefiting north Karnataka’s irrigation needs with water allocated by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The government’s decision to raise Almatti dam’s height as part of UKP-III highlights its focus on improving irrigation infrastructure in North Karnataka, a region historically underserved compared to other parts of the state. while this growth could significantly enhance agricultural productivity through better water utilization, it is accompanied by challenges such as displacement and rehabilitation due to submerged villages-a common social cost in major infrastructure projects.

The broader implications could be a boost in regional equity within karnataka if handled effectively; however, addressing pending legal disputes and ensuring robust schemes for affected communities remain critical prerequisites before proceeding further. Obvious interaction with local residents and stakeholders throughout this process will be vital in maintaining trust among those impacted.

Read more: