DyCM D.K. Shivakumar urges union government to join hands for Mekedatu project
Belagavi: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday urged the union government to collaborate with the state government for the implementation of the Mekedatu Project which will aid in supplying drinking water and generate electricity to Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mandya and other cities. Shivakumar was speaking during the question hour of the winter session of the legislative assembly at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha.
Responding to a question from the BJP MLA N. Ravikumar, Shivakumar stated,“Our government is ready to implement the Mekedatu project to supply drinking water and generate electricity for the capital Bengaluru, Mandya, Mysuru, and other cities. The central government should join hands with us for this.”
“Our water, our rights. Let's fight on the principle that your water is your right. The implementation of the project will benefit Tamil Nadu more than us. If we get to generate 400 MW of electricity, they will benefit from additional drinking water.” he added.
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Expressing confidence that the project would eliminate problems, Shivakumar asserted, “All preparations have been completed for the implementation of the Mekedatu project. Even though the project is set to be initiated on our own land, we need to obtain permission from the central government for environment and forest department clearance. Without the consent of these departments, the project cannot commence. We believe that this project will be offering a permanent solution.”
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345 Indian fishermen stranded in Iran return home via Armenia
New Delhi (PTI): A group of 345 Indian fishermen, who were stranded in Iran amid escalating regional tensions, returned to India via Armenia on Saturday, officials said.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar thanked his Armenian counterpart Ararat Mirzoyan for assistance in return of the Indian nationals.
The Indian nationals arrived in Chennai this evening, the officials cited above said.
The circumstances that led to them being stranded in Iran were not immediately known.
"Thank FM @AraratMirzoyan and the Government of Armenia for facilitating the evacuation of Indian fishermen today from Iran, through Armenia to India," Jaishankar said on social media.
Over 1,500 Indian nationals have left Iran through land border crossings in Armenia and Azerbaijan since the start of the West Asia conflict over a month ago.
"A group of Indian fishermen, stranded in Iran, are returning home via Armenia today; their flight is expected to reach India this evening," a government statement said.
It said the Ministry of External Affairs continues to closely monitor the evolving situation in the West Asian region, with the safety, security and welfare of the Indian community being accorded the highest priority.
It also made a mention of five Indians being injured in Abu Dhabi on Friday.
According to Abu Dhabi authorities, the Indian nationals were among the 12 people injured by debris from an intercepted missile.
"In an attack in Abu Dhabi, five Indian nationals were injured; four have been discharged, one remains under treatment," the Indian government's statement said.
It said the Indian mission in Abu Dhabi is extending "full" assistance and coordinating with local authorities, adding that their flight is expected to reach India this evening.
