ENARADA, Mysore, July 6,2013:
Karnataka Chief Minister SIddaramiah today said that Rs 10,000 crores would be earmarked for the irrigation development across the state in the budget. CM would be presenting budget on July 12.
Speaking to journalists after performing pooja to the Kapila River at the Kabini reservoir in HD kote, he said that government would spend Rs 50,000 crores during the next five years for irrigation projects including cauvery and krishna basin 9.74 hecters projects.
He recalled that the congress party took padayatra on the development of irrigation projects and had assured that if the congress government comes to power it would give priority to irrigation.
He said priority will also be given to power sector, education, rural development and drinking water in the budget.
He expressed happiness over the fact that all the dams in the State are getting filled, especially in Cauvery basin. Already Kabini and Harangi are full and other two reservoirs Krishnaraja Sagar dam and Hemavathi are also receiving significant inflow. The KRS has crossed 100 ft mark on Saturday with an inflow of over 40,000 cusecs. “After two years of severe drought, rain god has shown some mercy. It’s really a good development”, CM said.
Mr. Siddaramaiah assured that all the Cauvery basin canals will be modernized and lakes will be revitalized. He said the government will initiate steps to bring 9.74 lakh hectares of additional land under irrigation in the State. Besides, the government will ensure that 177 TMC of Krishna water allotted to the State will be optimally utilised.
He said that instructions will be given to all the reservoir authorities to release water to the canals for the agricultural activities.
Water resources minister M B Patel district in charge minister V. Srinviasa Prasad cooperative minister H. S. Mahadeva Prasad, Housing minister Ambarish also took part in the pooja function.
