‘Issues regarding state’s irrigation, wildlife board yet to be discussed’: Deputy CM Shivakumar

NEW DELHI: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Addressing the media later, Shivakumar said that issues of the state regarding irrigation and wildlife board are yet to be discussed.

“Yes, there are a few issues to discuss regarding the state relating to irrigation and the wildlife board. I have spoken to (Union Minister) Prahlad Joshi as well on that”, the Deputy Chief Minister said.

Shivakumar further spoke on the decision of the Maharashtra Chief Minister and said that the government will not last for a long time. “They don’t have clarity. They have not fought on collective leadership, they have failed to resolve themselves. I think the government will not last for a long time”, he said.

#WATCH | Delhi | On no CM face in Maharashtra yet, Karnataka Dy CM & Congress leader DK Shivakumar says, “They don’t have clarity. They have not fought on collective leadership. I think the govt will not last for a long time.” pic.twitter.com/cp05NYEsHG

— ANI (@ANI) November 29, 2024

On November 28, Shivakumar had called upon Union Minister for Environment and Forest, Bhupender Yadav, to expedite the environmental clearance process for the Kalasa-Banduri irrigation project. The Deputy CM met the Union Minister in Delhi on Wednesday and submitted a formal appeal to expedite the forest and wildlife clearance for the Kalasa Nala Diversion Scheme and forest clearance for the Banduri Nala Diversion Scheme.

“Kalasa-Bandura is a critical project for the people of Karnataka. Despite adherence to all statutory and procedural requirements, Karnataka’s proposal continues to face delays. It is imperative to resolve this at the earliest to avoid further impact on this vital project,” the Deputy CM said in the letter.

The 80th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife, held in October 2024, had deferred Karnataka’s proposal to use 10.88 hectares of forest land for the Kalasa project in the Western Ghats. The Board had directed Karnataka to submit a written representation addressing legal issues raised in the meeting.

The National Board for Wildlife had rejected Karnataka’s proposal citing legal disputes between Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra related to Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal’s award, which was pending before the Supreme Court.(ANI)