Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged the Union government to issue its appraisal report on the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir project. He confirmed that the Union Jal Shakti Minister has agreed to this request.

The Deputy CM called the discussions with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil “fruitful,” adding that “the Union Jal Shakti Minister has assured us that our request for funds for the Yettinahole drinking water project would be considered positively.” Other topics included a gazette notification for raising the Alamatti dam’s height, and discussions with Union Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav regarding environmental clearance for the Kalasa-Bhanduri project.

DK Shivakumar noted plans to submit new project proposals and engage with MPs during the Monsoon Session. On opposition to the Lakkenahalli dam, he said, “there will be opposition to all infrastructure projects, but drinking water needs to be supplied.”