Raichur (Karnataka), Feb 7 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees the Water Resources portfolio, stated on Saturday that local leaders are urging him to stop 30 TMC of water from the Tungabhadra reservoir from being wasted into the sea, emphasizing his dedication to this cause. He expressed frustration that the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh has not allocated time to discuss the issue.

“If the Andhra CM provides us with a chance, we will prevent the wastage of 30 TMC of Tungabhadra water and ensure justice for the farmers and residents of this area,” Shivakumar remarked.

These comments were made during the Raichur Utsava event.

Shivakumar mentioned that local MLAs have urged him to implement legislation ensuring that water reaches the tail-end sections of canals.

“In the past, water was being extracted at the upper reaches, failing to reach the tail-end areas. To address this, we have enacted a new law. When I previously served as the Irrigation Minister, I visited this region.

“We allocated Rs 300 crore for the Bangarappa's lake, and that initiative is currently underway. Our administration is committed to replacing all the gates of the Tungabhadra dam, and we will definitely accomplish this,” he stated.

He highlighted that several pivotal welfare programs, such as the mid-day meal initiative, MGNREGA, and Stree Shakti, were initiated by Congress-led governments from this area.

“Our party president, Mallikarjun Kharge, fought tirelessly to introduce Article 371J, which significantly transformed your lives and development. Just as Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar are honored, the populace of this region must also remember Kharge. I urge you to keep his name alive,” he said.

He outlined the five guarantee schemes of the Congress government, which include free electricity up to 200 units, 10 kg of free rice, free bus travel for women, Rs 2,000 monthly support for female household heads, and unemployment benefits for jobless youth.

“Through these five guarantee schemes, we are effecting change in your lives,” he affirmed.

Stressing the importance of unity, he stated, “We are individuals from various communities gathered here. Although our art forms may differ, all artists share a commonality. There is no caste or religion among artists. This is a land of farmers. You are reshaping the Congress government that nourishes the hungry and offers education.”

Describing Raichur as a region once governed by the Chalukyas, Cholas, and Vijayanagara kings, and one that embraced leaders of all faiths, Shivakumar affirmed that the government stands with the people and is devoted to improving their lives.

He announced that the government has made a historic decision regarding healthcare in the district, pledging to construct a super-speciality hospital.

“We are committed to establishing an AIIMS-level institution in this region, and a letter has been dispatched to the Union government in this context,” he remarked.

Additionally, he noted that the government has rolled out a sixth guarantee in the form of a land guarantee.

Reflecting on the completion of 1,000 days in office, Shivakumar announced an event scheduled in Haveri on February 14.

“You must continue to empower this hand by re-electing us in the future,” he appealed.