Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also serves as Karnataka’s Water Resources Minister, chaired a high-level meeting on Tuesday at Vidhana Soudha to review the implementation of the Upper Krishna Project Phase-III. The project, considered one of the state’s most significant irrigation and drinking water initiatives, has faced challenges relating to land acquisition, rehabilitation, and compensation.
During the meeting, Shivakumar highlighted the urgent need to address disputes pending before various courts regarding land acquisition and additional compensation claims. He emphasized that fair rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced families must remain a top priority to ensure the project’s smooth execution.
The Upper Krishna Project Phase-III aims to provide irrigation to lakhs of acres across drought-prone districts in North Karnataka and supply drinking water to several towns and villages. Officials noted that unresolved land compensation issues have slowed down progress, while escalating project costs further underline the importance of timely resolution.
Ministers H.K. Patil, M.B. Patil, R.B. Thimmappur, along with senior officials from the Water Resources Department, attended the meeting. The gathering reviewed pending cases, examined compensation packages, and discussed measures to accelerate construction and rehabilitation work.
Shivakumar directed officials to coordinate with district administrations and legal teams to expedite settlements, stressing that the government is committed to completing the project at the earliest. He also underscored that resolving farmers’ grievances would strengthen trust and ensure long-term benefits from the ambitious scheme. The meeting concluded with assurances that all hurdles would be systematically addressed to deliver the project’s promised benefits to the people of Karnataka.
