New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced that an all-party delegation of Karnataka MPs is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Jal Shakti Minister following the completion of Assembly elections in various states.

During a press briefing on Tuesday evening at Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, Shivakumar shared that the meeting was held to address pressing irrigation challenges facing the state. It aimed to explore solutions for minor obstacles in significant projects such as Mahadayi, Krishna, Tungabhadra, and Bhadra, and to evaluate the progress of ongoing irrigation schemes for future advancement.

Shivakumar emphasized the necessity of scheduling a meeting with the Prime Minister and relevant ministers, highlighting that MPs proposed to finalize the date once state elections conclude.

“We must honor their request for collaboration, as collective efforts are essential. Therefore, we have postponed our meeting to a later date,” he stated.

He pointed out that with elections underway in several states, any decisions made now could have significant repercussions. “As such, they have requested us to select a different date,” he added.

Shivakumar remarked that there was a consensus among MPs to collaborate for the greater good of the state.

“Our past collaborations have been fruitful, and we intend to persist in this manner. Our goal is to form an all-party delegation, with a unified effort directed toward the state's welfare,” he affirmed.

He revealed that the land acquisition process for the Upper Krishna Project (UKP-3) has commenced, with the government aiming to acquire 1.33 lakh acres with mutually agreed compensation. Sufficient funds have been allocated in the Budget, marking a significant milestone in the country's history.

Regarding the Cauvery water dispute, he assured that the government would act in accordance with the Supreme Court's directives.

Shivakumar mentioned that the meeting was arranged post-consultation with the Union Jal Shakti Minister and Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, with 24 MPs in attendance.

Notable leaders, including former Chief Ministers and BJP MPs Jagadish Shettar and Basavaraj Bommai, former Deputy CM Govind Karjol, and BJP MP Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, engaged in discussions, raising various concerns with the government.

“They have recognized the state government's progress on irrigation issues and have pledged their support. I extend my gratitude to all the MPs who participated in the meeting,” he expressed.

Shivakumar informed that MPs were updated on the developments during the BJP government's term and the advancements made by the current government. “We have provided essential documents and clarified the actions our government has taken,” he noted.

He added that he and his ministers had also consulted with the government’s legal team, assuring their commitment to resolving all irrigation-related matters. “We are determined to address every issue surrounding irrigation,” he stated.

In response to inquiries concerning environmental clearance for the Yettinahole project, Shivakumar indicated that the government has been awaiting approval for the past year and will proceed with the work immediately, as half the project is already completed. Certain conditions have been stipulated, and the government will adhere to them.

When questioned about the imposition of substantial penalties, he remarked, “Sometimes we must comply with their requests. Our priority is to ensure the project is implemented.”

The penalties pertain to environmental compliance issues and conditions imposed due to the Yettinahole project commencing without the necessary clearances, including expensive compensatory afforestation and other regulatory requirements, enforced by the Regional Empowered Committee (REC) under the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.