K’tka CM seeks nod for Mekedatu, Kalasa Banduri Nala projects

New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa on Friday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expedite approvals and clearances for irrigation and drinking water projects including Mekedatu and Kalasa Banduri Nala to utilise the water resources allocated to the state.

Karnataka has been seeking approval for the Mekedatu and Kalasa Banduri Nala projects as these projects have been resisted strongly by neighbouring states Tamil Nadu and Goa.

Yediyurappa called on PM Modi in New Delhi on Friday and discussed various developmental issues pertaining to the state.

He requested the Prime Minister to take necessary action for early release of funds from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

In a meeting that lasted about 15 minutes, Yediyurappa also urged Modi to revise the norms of assistance from the state disaster response fund or the national disaster response fund (NDRF) from the current year itself to ensure timely and adequate financial assistance to the states.

The CM demanded that the union government declare the Upper Krishna Project Stage-III and the Upper Bhadra Project as national projects.

Yediyurappa invited Modi to inaugurate the Bengaluru Tech Summit on November 19 in virtual mode.