Ktaka Dy CM seeks faster green nod for Kalasa-Banduri project
New Delhi (PTI): Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday called on Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav and urged him to expedite environment clearances for the Kalasa-Banduri irrigation project, highlighting ongoing challenges in inter-state water infrastructure development.
In a representation made to the Union Minister, Shivakumar, who is also in charge of the Irrigation Ministry, argued that the project remains critical for the state's water needs.
The Kalasa-Banduri Project is a water diversion project that aims to supply drinking water to the arid districts of Karnataka.
The Deputy CM informed that the National Board for Wildlife previously rejected Karnataka's proposal, citing legal disputes among Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra over the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal's award, which is pending before the Supreme Court.
Karnataka has significantly reduced its forest land requirements for the project, trimming the Kalasa project's footprint from 258 hectares to 26.92 hectares, and the Banduri project from 243 hectares to 28.44 hectares.
The state government contends that the proposed land is part of a tiger corridor and could potentially provide water resources for wildlife in the area, he noted.
Shivakumar also met Union Food Minister Pralhad Joshi to discuss the urgency of securing clearances for multiple water projects, including the Mekedatu Irrigation Project, and resolving ongoing water distribution disputes.
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Swamiji fires gun into the air in Kalaburagi village, video goes viral
Kalaburagi: An incident involving a swamiji firing a gun into the air has been reported from Udachan village in Afzalpur taluk of Kalaburagi district. The act, captured on video, has since gone viral on social media.
The swamiji has been identified as Sri Shantalinga Shivacharya, pontiff of the Hiremath of Sri Shankaralingeshwara Samsthana. According to reports, the incident took place on Sunday evening within the premises of the math, where the swamiji allegedly fired a single-barrel gun into the air.
This is not the first time the swami has courted controversy. Last year, he was reportedly found driving erratically under the influence of alcohol in Salotagi village of neighbouring Indi taluk, following which members of the public confronted him. He later fled from the math, sources said.
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More recently, during the annual fair of the Sri Shankaralingeshwara Math in Udachan village, the swami had arrived at the village with police protection, claiming to be the rightful pontiff of the math. Despite opposition from villagers, he reportedly went ahead and conducted rituals related to the fair.
The latest incident of firing the gun into the air has triggered criticism, especially after the video surfaced online. Further action, if any, is awaited from the authorities.
