State to take up Upper Krishna phase three

Speaking to reporters after holding a meeting with the leaders of Opposition, Siddaramaiah and Motamma, the chief minister said soon after obtaining the Cabinet approval for the detailed project report prepared by the Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigama Limited, the government will initiate the process of implementing the project, which is estimated to cost Rs 17,207 crore.

Under the project, about 130 tmc ft of water (allotted to the State under Scheme B by the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal award) will be utilised. The government has plans to implement the Phase-3 project in seven years. It will benefit Bijapur, Bagalkot, Gulbarga, Yadgir, Raichur, Koppal and Gadag districts.

It is estimated that 1.05 lakh acres need to be acquired and about 98,000 people rehabilitated under the project. The government is planning to set up a high-level committee to oversee relief and rehabilitation work.

Besides, a separate committee headed by the regional commissioner will be formed for the speedy acquisition of land. The chief minister, officials said, apprised the Opposition leaders of project and sought their suggestions.