Bengaluru, March 12 (NationPress) Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar remarked on Thursday that BJP officials have remained silent regarding the Central government's notification for the Krishna Upper Stage Project. This comes amidst objections from the Andhra Pradesh government concerning the land acquisition and compensation processes associated with the project.

During a session in the Karnataka Legislative Council under Rule 330, Shivakumar indicated that he, alongside Ministers H.K. Patil and M.B. Patil, plans to head to New Delhi next week to engage with Members of Parliament and express the state's apprehensions regarding the project.

The dialogue commenced following a query from BJP member Nirani Hanumantha Rudrappa about the rehabilitation of 20 villages that are set to be submerged due to the Krishna Upper Stage Project.

In addressing these concerns, Shivakumar stated that the state government has already resolved to compensate farmers affected by the project, although the rehabilitation process is currently on hold.

“The Central government must issue the notification for the project. Once this is done, fair and legal compensation will be extended to the impacted farmers,” he noted.

Shivakumar further mentioned that confusion has emerged because some landowners in the project-affected area have sought court orders for compensation ranging from Rs 13–14 crore per acre.

“Granting such exorbitant compensation while executing rehabilitation could complicate matters. Hence, the government is contemplating a monetary compensation approach rather than rehabilitation. We will discuss this with the relevant members,” he stated.

He emphasized the need for vigilance to ensure that land transactions in the project vicinity do not devolve into fraud.

Meanwhile, the Andhra Pradesh government has lodged formal objections with the Central government regarding the land acquisition and compensation framework associated with the project.

“We will keep all members informed and strive for a resolution to this matter,” Shivakumar affirmed.

During the Question Hour, Congress member Tippannappa Kamakanur inquired about the government's plan to utilize nearly Rs 10,000 crore saved from a recent court ruling for projects like the Ettinahole and Krishna Upper Stage Projects.

In response, Shivakumar highlighted that since taking office as the Minister for Water Resources, two significant court rulings have benefited the state.

“One key verdict mandated the Central government to assess and decide on the Mekedatu project. Another pivotal ruling pertains to land compensation issues,” he stated.

Shivakumar expressed respect for the Supreme Court for its judgments that have aided in resolving numerous long-standing legal disputes.

He noted that over 20,000 cases related to land compensation could have reached the Supreme Court. However, the state government has set compensation for land losers at Rs 35–40 lakh per acre.

“In many instances, previously, lawyers and officials allegedly colluded to file cases seeking compensation orders amounting to crores of rupees. However, the Supreme Court's ruling has clarified the situation nationwide,” he remarked.

He added that after 120 days, the court returned multiple MFAs, leading to 900 cases from the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited (KNNL) and 380 cases from the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Limited (KBJNL) being returned simultaneously.

“In this scenario, the government would have had to deposit Rs 365 crore in court. Moving forward, a dedicated team led by the Law Minister will be established to handle such legal issues,” he asserted.

Shivakumar reiterated that he, along with H.K. Patil and M.B. Patil, will visit Delhi next week to meet MPs and deliberate on state-related issues, including the objections from Andhra Pradesh regarding the Krishna Upper Stage Project.

“This judgment has not only benefitted our state but has also set a precedent for the nation,” he added.

Responding to a suggestion to resolve similar pending petitions in other departments based on the same judgment, Shivakumar stated that the government is reviewing the matter legally and that compensation for farmers will be disbursed shortly.

“When we visit Bagalkote, checks will be distributed to the affected farmers,” he announced.

During the discussion, BJP member P.H. Poojar accused the administration of neglecting landowners affected by the Krishna Upper Stage Project in Bagalkote, indicating that numerous applications related to e-Khata and other land records are still unresolved. He also raised concerns about potential irregularities in records maintained by the Bagalkote Town Development Authority.

In response to these allegations, Shivakumar assured the House that he would personally visit the area to investigate the situation.