Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a crucial meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, pressing for urgent clearance of the long-pending Mekedatu dam project and raising several other significant development issues concerning the state.
Key Demands Presented to Prime Minister
During the high-level meeting, Siddaramaiah submitted multiple memorandums addressing critical state requirements. The Mekedatu dam project clearance emerged as the primary agenda, with the Chief Minister seeking expeditious approval from the Central Water Commission.
The memorandums covered a comprehensive list of development projects including the establishment of an All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) at Raichur, clearance of pending Jal Jeevan Mission dues, approval for the Mahadayi project, and substantial relief measures for flood-affected regions in North Karnataka.
Mekedatu Project: Legal Victory and Next Steps
Siddaramaiah highlighted the recent Supreme Court decision that dismissed Tamil Nadu's application against the Mekedatu project. The court has directed the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Central Water Commission (CWC) to evaluate the project's permissibility.
"Since CWMA has already requested CWC to appraise the project, we urge the Union Government to issue directions to CWC for expeditious clearance," stated Siddaramaiah in the memorandum submitted to the Prime Minister.
Sugarcane Pricing and Farmer Welfare
The meeting also addressed the pressing issue of sugarcane pricing. Siddaramaiah emphasized that while the state government has provided an additional Rs 100 per tonne to farmers, this measure hasn't fully resolved the structural problems facing the sugarcane industry.
The memorandum pointed to the stagnant Minimum Support Price (MSP) for sugar, which has remained frozen at Rs 31 per kg, as a fundamental concern affecting millers' ability to pay fair prices to farmers.
The Chief Minister proposed several solutions including revising sugar MSP, increasing ethanol procurement from Karnataka distilleries by oil companies, and decoupling sugarcane prices from harvest and transport costs currently included in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP).
Flood Relief and Infrastructure Development
Another critical memorandum focused on flood relief for North Karnataka regions. The state government has sought compensation of Rs 2,135.99 crore from the Central Government to address extensive damage caused by recent floods.
The breakdown includes Rs 614.32 crore for crop input subsidy and Rs 1,521.67 crore for infrastructure reconstruction works, highlighting the severe impact on both agricultural and urban infrastructure.
Water Resource Projects and Environmental Clearances
Siddaramaiah also urged immediate notification of the Krishna Tribunal Award of 2013 in the official gazette and sought environmental clearance for implementing the Mahadayi project. This project aims to divert water from Mahadayi river tributaries to drought-affected districts in North Karnataka, addressing critical water scarcity issues in the region.
The comprehensive discussion between the Chief Minister and Prime Minister reflects the state government's focused approach to addressing multiple development challenges simultaneously while prioritizing key infrastructure projects that have been pending for extended periods.
