Vijayapura: Accusing the State Government led by Chief Minister, B. S. Yediyurappa of misleading the people on the issue of declaring Upper Krishna Project as a national project, Former Water Resources Minister and MLA, M. B. Patil has said that considering the technical glitches, UKP does qualify to become a national project.

Addressing presspersons during the visit to Ittangihal village for inspecting the land for proposed Food Park on Monday along with Agriculture Minister, B. C. Patil said that to get any irrigation project declared as a national project, it has to meet two criteria, the first one is that the project should cover at least 2 lakh hectare land for irrigation, and the second one is that the project should not have any inter-State water dispute.

“In the case of the UKP, we are indeed facing inter-state water disputes. Therefore, the project, in this regard, does not qualify for national project status. Now, whatever the government or the CM is saying, is not possible as per the criteria, however, if the CM can get this done even by overcoming this hurdle by using his influence, then it will be an appreciable matter”, he said.

With regard to the funds required to be allocated for irrigation projects of the State, he alleged that the government is giving no money for the project.

“ If the government is really keen and has concerns for the irrigation projects, then let it announce at least Rs. 25,000 crore for irrigation projects in the coming budget”, he said.

Patil said that in the case of the Revenasiddeshwara Lift Irrigation project and the Rivulet filling project, the government is not granting funds despite the administrative approval of the project, he said.

Photo Courtesy: Firoz Rozindar