MLA Patil urges fair compensation; extra relief deemed unnecessary by ministers

Vijayapura

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday reaffirmed that the Karnataka government is committed to raising the Alamatti dam’s height from 518 meters to 524 meters. He said the government will announce land acquisition compensation rates within a week.

Speaking after offering Bagina to the Krishna River at Alamatti, Shivakumar stated that a meeting with the Chief Minister and local legislators will finalize the compensation plan. He stressed the importance of a one-stage settlement to avoid multiple appeals, while separate rehabilitation plans will be prepared. Our goal is to use water that currently flows into the sea for irrigation, and we aim to achieve this within this term, he added.

Shivakumar mentioned that the state has repeatedly urged the Union Jal Shakti Minister for official approval, submitting proposals five times and bringing the matter to the Prime Minister. Although meetings with Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra were delayed, Union authorities have assured that the process will resume.

He recalled that previous compensation proposals during Basavaraj Bommai’s tenure faced opposition from farmers. Recent consultations with local leaders, ministers, and farmers were presented to the Chief Minister. Around 20,000 farmers have approached the court on compensation, and Shivakumar urged them not to be misled, warning that legal disputes would only delay benefits.

Concluding, he said the dam expansion was part of the state budget. Last year, over 100 TMC, sometimes even 400 TMC, of water flowed into the sea. With good rainfall, Alamatti is full. Our duty is to ensure this water benefits our people, he said.