Karnataka minister demands central assistance for irrigation projects

New Delhi, Nov 20 (ANI): Karnataka Water Resource Minister Basavraj Bommai on Friday submitted a memorandum to Union Water Resource Minister Pawan Kumar Bansal seeking more central assistance towards reconstruction, restoration infrastructure in major and medium irrigation projects of the state.

Addressing the media after his meeting with Bansal, Bommai said: "Due to the heavy floods in the state many irrigation infrastructures such as canal net works, embankments have been severely damaged. According to the existing guidelines under the Central Relief Fund (RCF) and National Calamity Contingency Fund (NCCF) funds do not provide for repairs, restoration of irrigation projects, so we requested the Union Government to release funds for taking up such repair and restoration."

Bommai also submitted a list of eight water projects where the state government is looking for central help.

Bommai submitted an estimation of over Rs. 2,300 crores.

Commenting on projects in the Kaveri Basin, Bommai said: The time has come for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to sit and think afresh about recovering the river base, preserving the rights of the respective states. By Shreeraj Gudi (ANI)