Bengaluru, March 19 (NationPress) Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on Thursday that legal advisors have verified there are no legal barriers to the proposed elevation of the Alamatti Dam. He plans to hold an all-party meeting in the state to proceed with the initiative.

Objections have been raised by Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra regarding this project.

The Upper Krishna Project (UKP) Phase 3 is a significant irrigation undertaking in Northern Karnataka aimed at increasing the Almatti Dam's height from 519.6 m to 524.256 m, thereby enhancing storage capacity by 100 tmc ft to irrigate 5.94 lakh hectares.

This ambitious project necessitates the acquisition of 1.33 lakh acres, impacting over 20 villages, with an estimated financial outlay ranging from Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 87,000 crore.

Delays in this major irrigation development have arisen due to objections from Andhra Pradesh (AP) and Maharashtra. AP has formally approached the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to contest the land acquisition, which has led the Centre to request clarifications that Karnataka is currently disputing.

While addressing the media at his residence in Bengaluru, the Deputy CM, who also oversees the Irrigation portfolio, stated, “I spent two days in Delhi discussing with the state's MPs. A total of 24 MPs, representing BJP, Congress, nominated, and independent factions, participated in the meeting, although JDS MPs were absent. I updated them on the status of various irrigation projects in the state.”

He noted that former Chief Ministers and BJP MPs Jagadish Shettar, Basavaraj Bommai, former minister Govind Karjol, and P.C. Mohan provided valuable suggestions during the discussions.

Union Minister of State V. Somanna and Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs Prahlad Joshi informed him of their inability to attend this time but expressed interest in a future meeting.

“We have resolved to send an all-party delegation to meet with the Prime Minister and the Jal Shakti Minister, and a consensus has been reached on this front,” he conveyed.

Shivakumar also mentioned, “Our legal team, including Mohan Kataraki, retired Justice Nagamohan Das, and the Advocate General, have shared several crucial insights. We will make a decision on this soon.”

Additionally, he remarked, “I met with the Civil Aviation Minister to discuss the disparity in Premium FAR and building height regulations between Bengaluru and other cities. A meeting with the Defence Minister is also on my agenda for further discussions. We have conveyed our state's issues, receiving positive feedback.”

When inquired about the second airport, he stated, “Minister M.B. Patil has presented a proposal and shared his insights on it. It is pending review by the Cabinet, where we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages. Land acquisition, funding, and other aspects need thorough examination. He has also conducted a study and shared a report. The central aviation authority has outlined building height regulations in global cities, which will guide our understanding of international standards. We will obtain that report before making any decisions.”