Pramesh S Jain
*5,300 acres of alternative land for Forest Department in Mekedatu project.
Deputy Chief Minister,DK Shivakumar today said that the balance works of Yettinahole project would resume this week.
Speaking to reporters after holding a meeting on various irrigation projects at Vidhana Soudha,the DCM,who also holds Irrigation portfolio,said,“The Central Environment Department has directed that a payment of Rs.257 crore, including penalties and a mitigation plan,must be made.
I have instructed officials to make this payment today itself. As soon as it is paid,we have directed the contractors to begin work on Yettinahole before the end of this week.”
“Steps will be taken to conduct surveys for land acquisition in the Tumakuru region as well.Water will be brought to Chikkaballapur and Kolar as soon as possible.
The Central Environment Department had returned the file for the Yettinahole project with certain conditions attached.
Alternative land is being transferred from the Revenue Department to the Forest Department.About 10% of the land transfer is still pending.This process will be completed within the next one week,”he said.
“A meeting was held with the legislators and officials concerned regarding Yettinahole,Bhadra Upper Catchment,and Mekedatu.
The Revenue,Forest,and Home Ministers participated in the meeting.I had met with the Union Ministers concerned regarding Yettinahole.We have accepted their conditions and are moving forward,”he added.
*5,300 acres to be given to Forest Department as replacement:
“The DPR for Mekedatu is ready and will be submitted before the committee.We have revised the cost estimates once again.
We need to provide around 5,300 acres of land to the Forest Department. This will also be discussed with the Revenue Department,he said.
When asked about the Bengaluru city tour,he said, “Instructions have already been given for the removal of damaged trees and branches.
Obstructions to water flow will be cleared.First I pray that the rains come.I will be doing a city tour of Bengaluru tomorrow at 3 pm.A puja will also be performed for the inauguration of one or two flyovers he told reporters.
