Shivakumar Confronts New Delhi Over 13 Stalled Projects and 40,000 Crore Rupee Shortfall

A Bipartisan Push for Karnataka's Infrastructure

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar hosted a strategic dinner meeting in New Delhi this Monday, marking his first such assembly with the state's Members of Parliament since taking office. The session brought together federal representatives across the political spectrum, including Union Ministers Pralhad Joshi, V. Somanna, and Shobha Karandlaje. The Chief Minister urged these lawmakers to transcend party divisions to advocate for 13 specific proposals currently awaiting federal clearance.

Critical Transit and Maritime Roadblocks

Chief among the state's demands is the progress of the Bengaluru Satellite Town Ring Road and the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project. Shivakumar also proposed the commercial reopening of the HAL airport to ease regional travel. Beyond the capital, the Karnataka Maritime Board has 176 pending projects valued at 16,561 crore rupees submitted under the Sagar Mala initiative over six months ago. Land disputes also remain a high priority, with the state seeking the transfer of 40 acres of Defence land in Bengaluru and another 668 acres in Belagavi.

Drought Emergency and Fiscal Disparities

The Chief Minister highlighted a looming environmental crisis, noting that nearly all reservoirs in Karnataka, excluding Almatti and Harangi, are approaching empty. This water scarcity threatens both human consumption and livestock. Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara further intensified the fiscal pressure, calling on MPs to secure more than 40,000 crore rupees in grants currently withheld by the Union government. Other financial bottlenecks include:

• 2,186.20 crore rupees: The 15th Finance Commission allocation for Panchayats due in 2025-26.
• 300 crore rupees: Requested from the Ministry of Environment for family relocations from Kudremukh National Park.
• Mahadayi and Cauvery Projects: Legal consultations continue to clear hurdles for Mahadayi, while Shivakumar confirmed his Tamil Nadu counterpart, C. Joseph Vijay, has requested a meeting regarding water sharing.

New Oversight Mechanism in New Delhi

To ensure these issues do not languish in bureaucratic processes, Shivakumar announced the formation of a specialized task force at Karnataka Bhavan. This new team, led by a dedicated Resident Commissioner, will act as a permanent liaison between the state and central ministries. This body will provide technical data to MPs to streamline the approval process for irrigation and drinking water ventures.

Source: The Hindu — National