Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has urged the Central government to intervene to delineate river water usages as national projects to meet irrigation demand. The State government is ready to extend its coordination and he has submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in this regard.
He was talking with reporters at a helipad in Sindhanur on Saturday. The Chief Minister was here to inaugurate the State-level livestock and fish fair and lay the foundation stone for various development works.
Referring to the previous State government’s sanction order, the Chief Minister said that it sanctioned irrigation projects worth ₹1,30,000 crore and earmarked ₹15,000 crore, of which only ₹9,000 crore was being used. Under these circumstances, the government is trying to mobilise remaining grants, he added.
He further said that to save 30 tmc ft. of water that is wasted due to silt in Tungabadhra dam, the State government has planned to find out a permanent solution.
The Central government has not released any drought relief to the State, he said when asked whether the State has received relief.
Mr. Kumarswamy said that he had already discussed with Governor Vajubhai Vala the issue of setting up a new University in Raichur as declared by the previous government but work is yet to be started. He said he supports increasing fuel prices. “When compared to neighbouring States we are providing fuel at low prices despite the rise in prices in the international market.”
Leaders of the JD(S) and Congress will decide on seat sharing for the coming Parliamentary election, he said adding that dissatisfaction among leaders won’t harm the coalition government.