Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar (Pic credit: PTI)

NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who also oversees the water resources department, assured on Wednesday that there is no shortage of drinking water in the state and that irrigation needs are being managed efficiently.
“There is no problem with drinking water in the state. We have sufficient drinking water, and we are managing irrigation needs effectively,” Shivakumar told ANI.
Speaking about the second All-India Water Resources Ministers’ Conference in Udaipur, Shivakumar said several key issues concerning Karnataka were discussed.
He mentioned that he had sought a meeting with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu for further discussions on the matter.
“During the discussions, we addressed the Tungabhadra River issue and expressed our desire to build an alternate dam. The concerned ministers held meetings with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and I personally spoke with Chandrababu Naidu. We also emphasised the need to remove silt, which is causing significant difficulties in water storage,” he said.
Shivakumar also spoke about the Mekedatu Dam project, highlighting the importance of central government approval.
“Since the central government must provide its opinion, it is essential that the project benefits both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. While we may be political opponents, the Mekedatu project must be advantageous for both states,” he said.
He also provided an update on the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River.
“We also discussed the Almatti Dam on the Krishna River, for which a gazette notification is pending. We have already initiated related work, which will be carried out in stages,” he said.
Additionally, discussions were held on interlinking the Krishna, Cauvery, and Godavari rivers to benefit all the states involved.
Shivakumar said the Minor Irrigation Minister had presented project proposals amounting to ₹14,000 crore, and a proposal has been submitted for their approval.
“I have requested all MPs to submit proposals related to their constituencies that will also benefit the state in terms of irrigation projects. Regarding the Upper Bhadra Project, we discussed the current status and were informed about some technical aspects. The Upper Bhadra Project will significantly benefit the state,” he said.
On his planned visit to Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, Shivakumar addressed criticism regarding his participation.
“I have already been criticised for my visit to Isha Foundation later today. I have been invited by Sadhguru, so I will be going there. I am a born Hindu who loves all religions, and it does not mean that I am coming close to the BJP. I have not met Amit Shah at all,” he said.
Dismissing social media speculation about his proximity to the BJP, he reaffirmed his political allegiance.
“I have seen in some of the media and social media, and my friends are calling and asking me whether I am coming close to the BJP. I am a born Congressman, my visit to Maha Kumbh is my belief and I respect all religions. Such speculations do not come even close to me; I don’t take BJP’s allegations seriously,” he said.