Kalasa-Banduri projects: DCM urges centre to expedite environment clearance

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday requested the Union Minister for Environment and Forest Bhupender Yadav to expedite environmental clearance for the Kalasa-Banduri irrigation projects in Karnataka. The Deputy CM met Yadav in Delhi and submitted an appeal to expedite the forest and wildlife clearance for Kalasa Nala Diversion Scheme and forest clearance for Banduri Nala Diversion scheme, a statement said. “Kalasa-Banduri is a critical project for the people of Karnataka.

Despite adherence to all statutory and procedural requirements, Karnataka's proposal continues to face delays. It is imperative to resolve this issue at the earliest to avoid further impact on this vital project,” the Deputy CM, who holds water resource portfolio, said in the letter. The 80th meeting of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife had deferred, in October 2024, Karnataka's proposal to use 10.88 hectares of forest land for the Kalasa project in Western Ghats, the statement said. It added that the Board had directed Karnataka to submit a written representation addressing legal issues raised in the meeting.

The National Board for Wildlife had rejected Karnataka's proposal citing legal disputes between Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra related to Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal's award, which was pending before the Supreme Court, the Deputy CM explained to Yadav. Shivakumar told the Union Minister that Karnataka had contested the decision of the National Board for Wildlife stating that the Supreme Court does not restrain Karnataka from proceeding with the project.