Bengaluru: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday August 15 announced that he is dedicated to resolving all water problems, including the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River, the Mahadayi drinking water project and the Krishna Upper project’s third stage.
He pointed out that a small legal battle in the Supreme Court was required.
After obtaining clearances, he stated that he will make a sincere effort to supply water to the Uttara Karnataka region.
According to the sources, CM also stated that the controversial Mekedatu project on the Cauvery River in southern Karnataka and the Kalasa Banduri project on the Mahadayi River in northern Karnataka would be completed.
In relation to the Mekedatu scheme, Bommai stated that he will engage with the Central government, explaining all aspects of the situation to officials there, and that the project will begin after obtaining permission.
The Rs. 9,000 crore Mekedatu balancing reservoir and drinking water project in Ramanagara district aims to use 4.75 TMC of water for drinking in Bengaluru and the surrounding areas while also generating 400 MW of electricity.
Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, is opposed to it, claiming that it will harm the state’s interests and deprive its farmers of water for irrigation.
The Chief Minister also launched many programmes in response to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s request to celebrate the occasion till August 15, 2023, to mark the platinum jubilee (Amruth Varsh), or 75th anniversary of India’s independence, which begins on Sunday.
Amrutha Gram Panchayat Scheme in 750 villages, including water, power, infrastructure, and a digital library, Amrutha Grameen Housing Project in 750 gramme panchayats, and the establishment of Amrutha Farmer Produce Societies with seed money of Rs. 30 lakh each. A grant of Rs. 225 crore would be given in three years.
He stated he was well aware that he only had 20 months left in office, which is the rest of the current Karnataka assembly term. “If I were to accomplish all of this, I must devise long- and short-term strategies. I will achieve whatever I can in 20 months in a result-oriented manner,” Bommai added.
He said he will make a sincere attempt to bring about a substantial transformation by advocating for the establishment of ‘Nava Karnataka.’
”I have a dream for a major change, and I am confident in my ability to make it happen. Many doubts and remarks have been made about me, and I am aware of them. I’m keeping an eye on them all. All of these things are blessings in my life,” he added.
He also mentioned the Covid-19 and the recent floods as challenges to the government. The celebrations were not as big as they used to be because to Covid-19 protocols in place.
“I will take those doubts and comments in stride, turn them into my strengths, and serve the people of Karnataka well,” the chief minister said.
Bommai paid honour to the freedom fighters whose great sacrifices paved the way for the country’s independence.
