Hubbali (Karnataka): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday accused the Centre of withhoding environmental clearance for the Mahadayi river project, which he said is crucial to resolving the water crisis in North Karnataka region, particularly in the twin cities of Hubballi and Dharwad.
Speaking to reporters here, Siddaramaiah attacked Union Minister for Food and Public Distribution Pralhad Joshi, who represents the Dharwad constituency, alleging that the BJP leader has “failed” to take any steps to ensure the project’s completion.
“He is an important Minister in the Centre. He should get us environmental clearance. How many times we have pleaded to the Centre. We have given letter to the Centre, appealed to them and me and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar went to New Delhi several times,” the CM said.
The Chief Minister emphasized that an all-party meeting is only part of the solution and stressed that environmental clearance is crucial. The Mahadayi project remains contentious due to opposition from Goa, which believes that Karnataka’s plans to divert river water infringe on protected wildlife areas.
