Accusing the government of neglecting the irrigation projects of Krishna basin coming under North Karnataka region, Panchappa Kalburgi, President of Krishna Bhima Coordination Committee, said that the government has so far spent only Rs. 1590.17 crore of Rs. 11,405.01 crore for nine irrigation projects coming under Krishna basin.
Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, he said that the Congress government came to power by promising the people of North Karnataka that major irrigation projects of this region coming under Krishna Basin would be completed during the stipulated time by allocating Rs. 10,000 a year.
Stating that the party after coming to power, has spent only 8 to 10 per cent of the total allocated funds, he said that if the pace remains the same, then the government will never be able to complete the projects within five years as it promised before coming to power.
“Due to slow progress, the cost of the project would also escalate, thus, the government would need more funds for the completion which would only act as a financial burden on the State exchequer”, Mr. Kalburgi said.
He said that the for raising the height of Almatti dam from 519 meters to 521 meters, the government will require 4000 acre land for rehabilitating the villagers whose houses would be submerged in the water and 13,000 acre needed to be acquired for building canals.
With such huge requirement, the government was moving at snail’s pace in acquiring land for the project, he said.
Mr. Kalburgi urged the MLAs of Vijayapura district and the MLAs of Krishna basin should form unity in demanding the government to expedite the work.
He also demanded the government to allocate project-wise funds in the budget instead of vaguely reserving funds of Rs. 10,000 a year for the project.
Delay in payment to sugarcane farmers
With regard to the delay in sugar mills giving money to the sugarcane farmers, he accused the government of not being serious on making the mills owners pay the justifiable price.
Mr. Kalburgi also took a dig at the farmers’ union, whom he accused of neglecting the interest of farmers of the State.
“If these unions had come together to protect the interest of the farmers, then the government would have ensured the disbursement of fair price”, he said.
He urged the unions to shed their differences and ego and come together for the rescue of the farmers.
