Karnataka Deputy CM Accuses Central Government of Obstructing Crucial Water Project
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has made serious allegations against the central government, claiming that the Ministry of Environment and Forests is deliberately creating hurdles for the Yettinahole drinking water project. The political leader expressed his frustration during a public event marking the inauguration of development works.
Project Delays and Missed Deadlines
Speaking with evident disappointment, Shivakumar revealed that if things had proceeded according to the original plan, the Yettinahole water would have already reached the districts of Hassan and Tumakuru by now. The significant delay has left many communities waiting for the promised water supply that was meant to alleviate their drinking water problems.
The Deputy CM made these statements on November 24, 2025, during an official function where he was inaugurating various development projects. His comments highlight the growing tension between the state government and central authorities over the implementation of this crucial infrastructure initiative.
Impact on Regional Water Security
The Yettinahole project represents one of Karnataka's most ambitious drinking water missions, designed to address the persistent water scarcity issues in multiple districts. The project's stagnation means that numerous villages and towns continue to face water shortages that the initiative was specifically designed to resolve.
Environmental clearances from the Ministry of Environment and Forests appear to be the primary point of contention, with the state government suggesting that unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles are preventing the project from moving forward on schedule. This delay comes despite the state government's repeated assurances about completing all necessary compliance measures.
The communities in Hassan and Tumakuru districts, who have been anticipating relief from their water woes, now face uncertain timelines for when they might actually receive the promised water supply. The project's progress has become a matter of significant public interest and political debate across the region.
