Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 9 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated on Tuesday that the progress of Phase-3 of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) has been hindered first by Maharashtra and subsequently by Andhra Pradesh.

"Since 2013, the Central government has not provided the necessary notification," he remarked.

While addressing inquiries from MLAs regarding state irrigation projects in the Assembly, Shivakumar, who oversees the Water Resources portfolio, noted, "We have made a groundbreaking decision regarding land compensation for the project. Our commitment remains strong, and we will secure funding for its completion. The project will be undertaken in partnership with the Central government, with a funding ratio of 60 percent from the Centre and 40 percent from the state."

The UKP Phase-3 is essential for irrigation, aimed at supplying water to thousands of hectares within the region, as emphasized by the Deputy CM.

Shivakumar mentioned that the state has already earmarked Rs 1,722 crore for the Ghata Prabha canal development project and is currently awaiting approval from the Centre.

"Our historic decision on land compensation for the Upper Krishna Project follows discussions with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. We have revised the compensation strategy established during the tenure of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai under the BJP government, enhancing it significantly," he stated.

"We remain dedicated to finalizing this project, planning to allocate between Rs 15,000-20,000 crore annually, with the aim to complete land acquisition within the next three to four years. Work has already commenced on certain sections of the project," Shivakumar added.

In response to a query from senior MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal regarding compensation for farmers who have relinquished their land, Shivakumar responded, "The land compensation issue has become a significant concern, with discrepancies where land valued at Rs 10 lakh is being compensated at Rs 10 crore. Legal professionals and officials appear to be colluding, creating complications in providing such large compensations. I do not support this. We are committed to safeguarding the state's interests."

In response to Congress MLA G.T. Patil's inquiry about repairs for the canals of the Hidkal reservoir and the removal of illegal pump sets, the Deputy Chief Minister stated, "A project worth Rs 1,722 crore for the development of the Ghataprabha right and left bank canals has been prepared and submitted to the Central government. If approved, the funding will follow the 60-40 ratio between the Centre and state. You and your MPs should apply more pressure on the Central government for this."

Shivakumar added, "A new law has been enacted to prevent illegal pump set installations along the canals, and training programs are currently in progress. Water must reach the terminal areas of the canals. For instance, the Pandavapura region utilizes the majority of water, while the Malavalli region remains underserved. If all MLAs concur, we can initiate a comprehensive campaign on this issue."

Responding to Congress MLA Appaji C.S. Nadagouda's request for the release of funds for the pending Nagarabetta Lift Irrigation Project, Shivakumar stated, "We will take measures to inaugurate the project by March 2026. This project is vital as it will provide irrigation to approximately 3,200 hectares. Approval was granted in 2017 for its completion at a cost of Rs 170 crore. The project has been divided into three packages, and delays have occurred due to local issues and land acquisition setbacks. A dedicated team will be established to tackle these challenges and expedite the project's completion."

Addressing questions from Shravanabelagola JD-S MLA C.N. Balakrishna regarding insufficient water supply to the tail-end areas of the Hemavathi Left Bank distributary canals and slow developmental progress, Shivakumar stated, "A project has been devised at an estimated cost of Rs 110 crore for improving the Hemavathi Left Bank distributary canals. Work will commence promptly. For Distributary Canal 33, Rs 10 crore has been allocated, while Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned for Canals 34 to 40. In the Left Bank canal segment of the Shravanabelagola Assembly constituency, eight out of fourteen distributary canals have been developed, leaving six pending, some of which are quite old. I have received a report regarding these canals."

When the MLA urged for swift action regarding filling the Hemavathi water into the Channarayapatna Amanikere tank and addressing compensation issues, the Deputy CM replied, "Please raise this as a separate query. I currently lack information on land acquisition. We will provide a response."