BENGALURU: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged the Union government to expedite the examination and recommendations for the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir and Sharavathi pumped storage projects during a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi on Thursday.
Shivakumar, who travelled to the national capital after the conclusion of the Mysuru Dasara festivities, discussed several issues concerning Karnataka, including environmental clearances, inter-state disputes and infrastructure development.
During the meeting at Paryavaran Bhavan, he sought early consideration of the state’s proposals and raised concerns over the Kasturirangan report, the Mahadayi dispute and the proposed eco-sensitive zone around the Eco Cane sugar factory in Belagavi district.
Mekedatu and Sharavathi projects on the agenda
Shivakumar urged the Centre to move forward with the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project and the Sharavathi pumped storage project. Both projects are significant to Karnataka’s water management and energy infrastructure plans.
The Mekedatu project has been a long-standing issue involving Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with questions surrounding water sharing, project approvals and environmental clearances. Shivakumar said he had requested the Union minister to consider Karnataka’s position and expedite the necessary process.
The Sharavathi pumped storage project is intended to support energy storage and help balance electricity supply and demand. Its progress also depends on the relevant regulatory and environmental assessments.
No final approval for either project was announced following the meeting.
Kasturirangan report and eco-sensitive zone concerns
The Chief Minister also discussed the Kasturirangan report, which concerns the identification and protection of ecologically sensitive areas in the Western Ghats.
Shivakumar urged the Centre not to finalise the draft notification based on the report until the physical survey was completed. He said discussions would also involve neighbouring states.
According to Shivakumar, Yadav indicated that representatives of the neighbouring states would be invited for consultations and given time to participate in the process.
The Chief Minister also sought the exclusion of the Eco Cane sugar factory in Belagavi from the proposed eco-sensitive zone, citing the livelihoods dependent on the facility.
He said around 500 workers and 5,000 families depended on the factory, arguing that its inclusion in the proposed zone could have implications for employment and the local economy.
Mahadayi dispute may involve chief ministers
The Mahadayi river dispute was another issue raised during the meeting. Karnataka has been seeking progress on matters connected with the river, which is shared by Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
Shivakumar said he had explained the legal aspects of the dispute to the Union minister. He added that the chief ministers of the three states concerned would be called for discussions.
The proposed consultations could provide an opportunity to address the competing positions of the states, although no resolution was announced after the meeting.
Talks held on digital connectivity
Shivakumar also met Union Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Their discussions focused on strengthening telecommunications infrastructure and improving digital connectivity in Karnataka. The meeting formed part of the state government’s wider engagement with the Centre on infrastructure and development-related issues.
Mandya testing centres discussed
Responding to questions from mediapersons, Shivakumar addressed a letter written by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy concerning delays in allocating land for proposed testing facilities in Mandya district.
The proposed facilities include a construction and infrastructure equipment testing centre and an electric vehicle testing centre. Kumaraswamy had expressed concern over delays despite earlier discussions and site inspections.
Shivakumar said he had only recently learnt about the letter and had not yet examined its contents. He said he would review the communication, discuss the matter with the state Industries Minister and assess land availability before deciding on the next steps.
He also made a remark about Kumaraswamy’s earlier reluctance to acknowledge him as Chief Minister, while indicating that he would examine the issue on its merits.
“Let us cooperate in doing something good,” Shivakumar said, signalling that the state government would review the proposal before taking a decision.
Cabinet vacancies and party appointments
The Deputy Chief Minister also responded to questions about filling vacant ministerial positions in Karnataka. He said the issue had been discussed with Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal and that he would hold further discussions with Rahul Gandhi.
Shivakumar indicated that some legislators needed to be accommodated through the distribution of responsibilities. He also said responsibilities would be assigned to party workers within three to four days.
However, he denied discussing the alleged sting operation controversy with the Congress leadership during his Delhi visit.
Karnataka awaits further decisions
The Delhi meetings covered several issues that require further examination by the Union government and coordination with other states and agencies.
Karnataka is seeking progress on the Mekedatu and Sharavathi projects while pressing for consultations on the Kasturirangan report, the Mahadayi dispute and the proposed eco-sensitive zone affecting the Belagavi sugar factory.
The next steps will depend on the Centre’s review, the outcome of inter-state consultations and the relevant legal and environmental procedures. No final clearances for the two projects were announced following Shivakumar’s meeting.