DELHI, 4 APRIL

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has called on the Union Government to issue a Gazette notification regarding the proposed increase in the height of the Alamatti dam. Speaking at a press conference after meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil, Shivakumar stated that the minister assured him that a meeting would be convened with representatives from the affected riparian states to discuss the matter further.

Shivakumar highlighted that the water-sharing agreement between these states has long been established, with only the Gazette notification remaining. He added that land acquisition for the dam's enhancement has already been completed and urged the government to classify the project as a national endeavour.

In addition to discussing Alamatti, Shivakumar addressed several other projects, including Upper Bhadra, Kalasa-Bhanduri, and Yettinahole. He noted that the Supreme Court is expected to hear the Mekedatu case soon but acknowledged the political opposition from Tamil Nadu concerning this initiative.

The Deputy Chief Minister also raised concerns about delays in environmental clearances for the Kalasa-Bhanduri project and requested financial support for the Yettinahole project, which is critical for providing drinking water. He expressed optimism regarding the Union Minister's responses on these issues, particularly regarding the river linking project connecting the Cauvery, Krishna, and Godavari rivers.