Belagavi
Labour Minister Santosh Lad has urged BJP MPs from the state to directly question Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding delays in granting environmental clearance for the Mahadayi (Kalasa–Banduri) water diversion project. Lad criticized the silence of BJP leaders on the issue and noted that even they appear reluctant to raise the matter with the PM.
Lad emphasised that the Centre's inaction is stalling a tribunal-vetted project that would benefit water-scarce regions in North Karnataka, including Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, and Bagalkot. Despite numerous approvals, including a tribunal award in 2018, a gazette notification, and clearance from the Central Water Commission, environmental clearance is yet to be granted by the National Wildlife Board.
"We have kept funds ready and were ready to call tenders, but the Centre not giving its clearance has led in the works not taking off. BJP leaders had celebrated that the project would take off, but were now mute. BJP leaders from the state have to answer to the people as to why the project was not taking off. Centre has given environmental clearance for Goa and other states for implementing different projects, but Mahadayi project has been kept pending. After the orders of Mahadayi River Dispute Tribunal award of waters for the state, BJP had celebrated and distributed sweets," he said.
Echoing Lad’s concerns, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar recently announced Karnataka’s intention to resume the Kalasa–Banduri work and urged state MPs to pressure the Centre to expedite approvals.