DK Shivakumar in Delhi to raise Karnataka’s concerns (Img: X)
New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived in Delhi to raise forest-related concerns with the Centre, including issues linked to the Dr K Kasturirangan committee report and the Mahadayi project. He also plans to meet Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia over an information technology-related matter.
“We have some issues regarding the Dr K. Kasturirangan committee report. I will meet the Forest Minister. I will also meet Minister Scindia ji,” Shivakumar said.
He said he had sought an appointment with Scindia but was awaiting confirmation. “Nothing as of now. There is one matter related to Jyotiraditya Scindia regarding IT. I have asked for his time. He was busy with Dasara. If he gives time, I will talk to him,” he said.
Shivakumar said he had also sought a meeting with the concerned Union Minister to discuss forest-related matters, including Mahadayi. He noted that upcoming elections in Kerala and Goa could make decisions on the issue more difficult.
“There are some issues related to forests. I have asked for time from the Minister. We have some forest issues, including Mahadayi. Now there are Keralam and Goa elections also. It will be very difficult for them to take a decision,” he said.
The Chief Minister said a meeting with sugarcane farmers and factory owners had been scheduled for October 26. Union Minister Prahlad Joshi, who had initially agreed to attend, later expressed his inability to participate but assured Shivakumar that the Centre would take necessary steps.
Shivakumar also flagged water shortages in the Cauvery and Tungabhadra basins, calling for coordination with neighbouring states and the Centre to address farmers’ needs amid inadequate rainfall.
“There is no water in Cauvery and no water in Tungabhadra. With no rain, we need a plan of action regarding drought. We have to meet the Prime Minister and Home Minister,” he said.
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Shivakumar is expected to return on Friday. He is also scheduled to meet Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk during his visit to Bengaluru, where Tusk will engage with leaders from the information technology and space sectors.
