Key Takeaways
- Shekhawat defended the Centre, stating the Mekedatu project is under discussion but stalled due to lack of consensus among states.
- Central assistance under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana totals ₹1,190.05 crore out of ₹1,238.30 crore, with most funds already released.
- Karnataka received ₹629.54 crore via the Atal Bhujal Yojana, spending only ₹274.05 crore by late October 2023.
Bengaluru: Jal Shakti Mantri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Monday flayed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for spreading misinformation relating to the central government’s role in water projects in Karnataka.
Taking to X, he said, “We know it is tradition for Congress to spread false rumours and misinformation. But it isn’t becoming of a CM to wreak havoc in people’s lives by doing so.”
Shekhawat was responding to Siddaramaiah’s accusation that the central government has failed to address water issues.
The CM had accused the Centre for not addressing Karnataka’s water woes despite the state receiving deficit rainfall this year. He also alleged that none of the BJP MPs had raised the issue of water in the state.
Siddaramaiah also alleged that Mekedatu and Mahadayi projects are pending central government’s approval. He accused the Centre for the issuance of gazette notification on Upper Krishna Project for north Karnataka’s irrigation.
“Do you want to inflict more thirst on Kannadigas, dear Prime Minister?” Siddaramaiah had asked Narendra Modi on X.
Clarifying the allegations, Shekhawat said: “You are very well aware of the status of the Mekedatu project. If not, let us remind you, since your briefing team seems to be doing a sorry job. Latest status stands thus: Discussion on the DPR of the Mekedatu project was included as an agenda item during various meetings of Cauvery Water Monitoring Authority.
“However, discussion on this issue could not take place due to lack of consensus among party states on this agenda item. The Detailed Project Reports of Kalasa and Bhandura scheme Nala have already been approved by the Central Water Commission (CWC) with certain conditions and the same has been communicated to government of Karnataka.”
He added: “Of the 5 projects from Karnataka prioritised under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)- Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme during 2017, three stand completed. Two are ongoing and ₹1,190.05 crore of the ₹1,238.30 crore of Central assistance has already been released to date.
“Under the Atal Bhujal Yojana, Karnataka has already received ₹629.54 crore from the Centre but spent only ₹274.05 cr as on October 28, 2023.”
