Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, who also holds the Irrigation portfolio, has formally sought ₹11,122.76 crore in Central funding for six major irrigation and water-management projects. In New Delhi, Shivakumar met Union Water Resources Minister C R Patil to press for allocations that include ₹804.66 crore for the Sonnathi Lift Irrigation Project and ₹2,660.70 crore for the Indi Branch Canal under the Upper Krishna Project.
He also requested ₹3,000 crore for the third stage of the Malaprabha Canal and ₹1,610 crore for the Benne Halla flood-prevention initiative. Highlighting drought-prone districts, Shivakumar appealed for 25 percent Central assistance for the Yettinahole drinking-water scheme. However, Yettinahole’s construction is stalled by pending Forest Department clearances, which Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav has assured will be expedited.
Shivakumar further noted that construction of the Upper Bhadra lift-irrigation scheme—designed to irrigate over 2.25 lakh hectares across Chikkamagaluru, Kodagu, Shivamogga, and Davanagere districts—is awaiting central approval after revised cost estimates were submitted. “We understand that one project has been approved, but we are yet to receive official confirmation,” he said. If sanctioned, these investments are expected to bolster crop yields, mitigate floods, and secure drinking-water supplies across Karnataka’s most vulnerable regions.
