Karnataka faces Rs 1.5 lakh crore irrigation fund shortfall

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has pointed out a significant funding gap for irrigation projects in Karnataka. He said the state is facing a shortfall of nearly Rs 1.3 lakh crore. The budget allocated Rs 22,000 crore for irrigation, but ongoing projects need Rs 1.5 lakh crore and have outstanding bills of Rs 11,000 crore. Shivakumar, who is also the water resources minister, spoke in the legislative council in response to questions from members of various parties. He identified land acquisition as the main financial challenge. To address unpaid bills, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has approved an additional Rs 1,100 crore this year. "We are clearing 10% of bills this year based on seniority," he added. Regarding the Upper Krishna Project, Shivakumar revealed that Rs 87,818 crore is needed just for land acquisition. He suggested declaring this project a national project to secure more funds from the central government. "I will prepare a note for a resolution to send to the Centre," he said. On the Varahi irrigation project, originally estimated at Rs 9 crore in 1979 and now costing Rs 1,700 crore, Shivakumar confirmed the government's commitment to its completion. "We will take all possible actions to finish the project as soon as we can, depending on financial resources," he stated.