DK Shivakumar Blames Centre, Maharashtra & Andhra For Delaying Upper Krishna Project Phase 3

Last Updated:December 10, 2025, 09:33 IST

The deputy CM said he, along with minister V Somanna, had met the Union Jal Shakti minister thrice but he cited unavoidable reasons for postponing scheduled meeting with the states

Karnataka's deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar. (News18)

Deputy chief minister and water resources minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday stated that the implementation of the ambitious Upper Krishna Project (UKP) Phase 3 has been repeatedly delayed due to objections raised by neighbouring states, even as the Karnataka government remains committed to its timely completion.

Responding to queries during the Question Hour in the Legislative Assembly, the DCM highlighted the central government’s delay in issuing the crucial notification required for the project’s execution.

“The central government has withheld the notification for the implementation of UKP Phase-3 since 2013," Shivakumar informed the House. He noted that Maharashtra initially, and then Andhra Pradesh, had created hurdles, obstructing the project’s progress.

Addressing MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal’s question regarding land acquisition and compensation for UKP Phase-3, the DCM issued a direct appeal.

“If you (Yatnal) put pressure on your friends in Delhi to secure the necessary permission for this project, we will immediately take loans and complete it," Shivakumar stated. He added that he, along with Union minister V Somanna, had met with the Union Jal Shakti minister three times, who cited unavoidable reasons for postponing the scheduled meeting with the states concerned.

Shivakumar reiterated the government’s strong commitment to finalising the project. “Chief minister Siddaramaiah and I have had discussions and taken a historic decision regarding land compensation," he said.

The current administration has modified the land compensation decision made during the previous Basavaraj Bommai government and brought it to a manageable level.

“We are determined to complete this project. We have planned to spend money sourced from anywhere possible," he asserted. The government aims to allocate Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 crore annually and complete the land acquisition process within the next three to four years, with work already commencing in certain areas.

Separately, in response to MLA GT Patil’s question regarding the repair of the Hidkal Dam’s right and left bank canals and action against illegal pump sets, Shivakumar outlined a major development plan.

“A Rs 1,722 crore project proposal for the development of the Ghataprabha right and left bank canals has been prepared and sent to the Central Government," the DCM confirmed.

If approved, the project will be undertaken with a cost-sharing model: 60 per cent borne by the central government and 40 per cent by the state government. He urged the MLA and his respective Member of Parliament to exert greater pressure on the Centre to secure the necessary approval.

News politics DK Shivakumar Blames Centre, Maharashtra & Andhra For Delaying Upper Krishna Project Phase 3

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