Karnataka CM Shivakumar Urges MPs to Push for Central Approval on 13 Key Projects
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday sought the cooperation of Members of Parliament from Karnataka in advancing the state's development, specifically urging them to secure central clearance for 13 pending proposals. These include the Satellite Town Ring Road for Bengaluru, the reopening of HAL airport for commercial operations, and the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project.
Speaking at a dinner meeting with Karnataka MPs in Delhi — his first such gathering since assuming office — Mr. Shivakumar appealed to the lawmakers to persuade the Union government to approve pending irrigation and drinking water projects and to provide drought relief for the state.
“In Karnataka, apart from the Almatti and Harangi reservoirs, most other dams are nearly empty. If this situation continues, there could be problems with drinking water for people and cattle. I have written to the Prime Minister about the state’s situation. I need your cooperation to get assistance,” the Chief Minister said.
On the issue of sharing Cauvery water with Tamil Nadu, Mr. Shivakumar informed the MPs that his Tamil Nadu counterpart, C. Joseph Vijay, has sought a meeting. He added that Karnataka would consult legal experts to resolve hurdles related to obtaining clearance for the Mahadayi project.
The Chief Minister also announced the formation of a new team, including a separate Resident Commissioner, at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi to follow up on pending projects. This team would work in coordination with MPs and provide supporting information to them.
Other proposals for which Mr. Shivakumar sought cooperation included the allocation of ₹2,186.20 crore by the 15th Finance Commission to Panchayats for 2025-26, clearance for 176 projects worth ₹16,561 crore submitted by the Karnataka Maritime Board under the Sagar Mala scheme, funds of ₹300 crore under the Compensatory Afforestation Fund for relocating families from Kudremukh National Park, and the transfer of Defence land — 40 acres in Bengaluru and 668 acres in Belagavi.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara, who also holds the Revenue portfolio, appealed to all Karnataka MPs to work together to secure the release of more than ₹40,000 crore in pending grants from the Union government.
