CM Shivakumar announced Rs 1 crore each non-urban assembly segment to tackle drinking water shortageBelagavi: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Thursday announced that the state government would release Rs 1 crore to each Assembly segment, barring urban constituencies, to address drinking water scarcity.Addressing a press conference at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha after a Belagavi divisional-level review meeting with public representatives and officials, Shivakumar said committees would be formed under the chairmanship of the respective MLAs to prepare action plans and submit proposals for water-supply works.Shivakumar said several regions had reported worsening water scarcity, prompting the government to direct officials to prioritise water storage in reservoirs, lakes and tanks to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply.“Various regions of the state have indicated increasing water scarcity. Therefore, the government has instructed officials to prioritise storage of water in reservoirs and tanks to ensure uninterrupted drinking water supply,” he said.The Chief Minister also addressed complaints that Forest Department clearances were holding up irrigation and drinking water projects at more than 40 locations. He directed officials to ensure that underground drinking water pipelines are not obstructed and said drinking water projects must be treated as a priority and a humanitarian issue.Drought preparedness stepped up:On the rainfall situation, Shivakumar said that although parts of Kittur Karnataka had received showers, it was too early to describe the monsoon as satisfactory. Referring to warnings from the Prime Minister and official reports, he said the state must prepare for possible drought conditions and ensure adequate storage in lakes and reservoirs.The government, he said, had instructed officials to ensure availability of seeds, fertilisers and drinking water. On fertiliser supply, Shivakumar said Karnataka had received only around 50% of its required allocation from the Centre. A separate meeting would be held in Bengaluru with Union ministers and officials to seek additional supplies, he added.Technical study ordered on ageing irrigation gates:Shivakumar also spoke about issues concerning the Tungabhadra reservoir. He recalled that Gate No. 19 had collapsed last year and said that, during his tenure as Irrigation Minister, he had directed the replacement of ageing gates. The government is now conducting a technical study of irrigation project gates across the state, especially those over 50 years old. Decisions on replacement would be taken based on expert recommendations, he said.Three-state panel to study Tungabhadra balancing reservoir:The Chief Minister said Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana had reached a broad understanding on the Tungabhadra issue. He said the three states, along with Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil, had agreed on the need for a balancing reservoir to prevent surplus water from flowing into the sea and to ensure better utilisation for farmers. A technical committee comprising officials from the three states and the Centre is expected to submit its report within about three months.River-linking project may get national status:Shivakumar said discussions had also progressed on linking the Krishna, Cauvery and Godavari rivers. The states concerned had conveyed their consent to the Centre, which had agreed to consider the project as a National Project, he said. The proposed river-linking project is estimated to cost around Rs 1 lakh crore, with the Centre expected to bear 90% of the expenditure.CCTV surveillance ordered at major Muzrai temples:Referring to the alleged Ram Mandir donation scam, Shivakumar said the issue had caused embarrassment and concern. As a precautionary measure, he directed officials to install CCTV cameras in major Muzrai temples, particularly near donation boxes, counting centres and cash-handling areas. The feeds should be linked to police, taluk and district-level monitoring systems and should remain operational round the clock, he said.Help desks for voters during SIR process:On voter registration and the Special Intensive Revision process, Shivakumar said the government had facilitated access to residential and other certificates, including through online services and doorstep delivery wherever required. Help desks would also be set up at polling booths to assist voters and ensure that eligible citizens are able to safeguard their voting rights, he said.Guarantee schemes to continue, irregularities under reviewOn the state’s guarantee schemes, CM clarified that none of the schemes would be discontinued. However, the government was reviewing irregularities flagged in audit reports, including duplicate beneficiaries and payments made after the death of beneficiaries. Fresh verification and renewal processes would be undertaken while ensuring that genuine beneficiaries continue to receive assistance, he said.Deputy CM G Parameshwar, PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Industries Minister MB Patil, Health Minister UT Khader and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister Eshwar Khandre were present.
