Hubballi, 4 May 

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday accused the Central government of deliberately withholding environmental clearance for the Mahadayi river project, crucial for addressing water scarcity in North Karnataka, especially in Hubballi and Dharwad.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Siddaramaiah launched a sharp attack on Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, who represents the Dharwad constituency, alleging he has failed to secure Centre’s approval for the project. “He is a senior minister at the Centre. Why has he not ensured environmental clearance? Despite repeated appeals, letters and visits to Delhi by myself and Deputy CM D K Shivakumar, the Centre has not acted,” the Chief Minister said.

He claimed the only roadblock is environmental clearance, and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of succumbing to pressure from Goa. “Scared of Goa, the PM is not giving us clearance. Joshi does not even raise the issue,” he alleged.

The Mahadayi project proposes to divert water from the river’s tributaries — Kalasa and Banduri — to meet drinking water needs in North Karnataka. However, Goa has opposed the move, arguing that the river passes through the Mahadayi Wildlife Sanctuary in North Goa and that the project would harm the environment.

Though the Centre approved Karnataka’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) two years ago, the environmental nod remains pending.

Siddaramaiah also announced a public event on May 20 in Vijayanagara district to mark the Congress government’s two-year anniversary and highlight its achievements.