Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant today refused to comment on Karnataka government’s move to appoint contractor for Kalasa Bhandura Mhadei river diversion project.
“Why should I comment on Karnataka budget. our government is very serious on Mhadei issue. The matter is currently in Supreme Court,” said CM Sawant
In his March 7 presentation of the State budget for 2025–2026, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah stated that the government had granted the contract for the Mhadei diversion project with specific restrictions and that project work would start as soon as the Center gave its clearance.
“The contract has been awarded with specific terms pending approval from the Indian government regarding the use of 3.90 TMC water under the Kalsa-Bhandura Canal Diversion Project. As soon as the central government grants the required approval, work will start,” he stated.
As Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unveiled the state budget for 2025-26, a significant focus was placed on infrastructure and water management projects. Among these initiatives, the Mhadei diversion project stands out, with the government having awarded a contract for its implementation, pending necessary approvals from the central government.
However, the absence of additional funding for the Kalsa project has left North Karnataka residents feeling overlooked.
In the heart of Karnataka’s budget lies a commitment to advancing major water projects, including the Mhadei diversion. The contract for this project has been awarded with specific conditions, awaiting the green light from the Centre. Once these approvals are secured, work on the project will commence, marking a crucial step in Karnataka’s water management strategy.
The government has also emphasized its intention to complete all pending projects within the Krishna, Kaveri, and other river basins during the current year. This ambitious plan aims to address long-standing water management challenges across the state.
Notably, the Centre had allocated Rs 5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra Project in the previous budget year, but these funds remain unreleased, leaving a gap in project financing.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to acquire land and disburse compensation for areas that will be submerged due to the height increase work under the UKP-3 scheme at Almatti Dam. Despite these initiatives, the lack of additional provisions for the Kalsa project in the state budget has sparked disappointment among North Karnataka residents, who were hoping for more substantial support for this critical water management initiative.
