Bengaluru: Union Minister for road transport and water resources Nitin Gadkari has stepped in to resolve the standoff over the Mekedatu reservoir project saying he will convene a meeting of chief ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to discuss its implementation.
Mr Gadkari said this when he met Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy who brought to his notice Tamil Nadu’s objection to the project though it would be beneficial to both states.
On the Mahadayi Tribunal order, the CM said the Goa government has approached the Supreme Court objecting to Karnataka’s bid to utilise its share of water. He appealed to Mr Gadkari to discuss the issue with the Goa government and resolve it, a statement issued by the CM’s office said.
Mr Gadkari has also agreed to the construction of an elevated highway between Hubballi and Dharwad and asked the state government to complete land acquisition so that the work can begin. The development of alternative roads to National Highway 4-A which connects Karnataka to Goa was also discussed as this highway is being closed for 18 months to take up widening work.
Other projects which came up for discussion include development of NH 373 between Hassan and Belur, the 4-laning of Hassan-Holenarsipura Road and the upgradation of Channarayappattana- Holenarsipur- Arakalagud-Kodlipet- Madikeri Road to a national highway.
PWD Minister H.D. Revanna, Chief Secretary T.M. Vijaybhaskar and Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, Dr. E.V. Ramana Reddy were present during the meeting.
