From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Apr 6: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assigned various tasks for the party leaders and has instructed development of 75 lakes in the State, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Wednesday.

Speaking to media persons in Delhi following his meetings with different Union Ministers on pending issues pertaining to the State and also after attending the BJP’s Foundation Day programme, Bommai said a special programme for development of lakes in Kolar would be launched under the leadership of the Prime Minister soon.

The Chief Minister said Prime Minister Modi addressed the party leaders and booth level workers as part of BJP's Foundation Day celebrations.

“I too participated in the programme and later met Union Finance minister Nirmala Seetharaman. I sought Finance Department approval for declaring the Upper Bhadra project as a National Project,’’ he said.

Bommai said Sitharaman informed me that the process for granting approval was in its final stage.

The issue of including three major Energy department projects in the Green Corridor too are coming before the Finance ministry for approval, he said.

The Union Minister has responded positively to the request, Bommai said adding: The issues related to the GST Group of Ministers too came up for discussion.

“The Finance minister has said that she will visit Karnataka soon and has assured that she would convene a special meeting to address the issues related to Central projects which need to be taken up through the banks,’’ he said.

“We have also decided to organise a conclave of Millet Farmers in Raichur on the occasion of International Millets Day," Bommai said.

“I am trying to get an appointment to meet BJP National President JP Nadda and I am expecting to meet him today evening or tonight," Bommai said.

The Upper Bhadra project has already been approved. The project would be declared as a National Project after getting approval from the Union Finance Ministry and nod from the Union cabinet, Union Water Resources minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has assured Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Bommai told reporters after meeting Shekhawat and the Union Energy minister: "I have had a detailed discussion on Mahadayi, Mekedatu, Upper Krishna and Upper Bhadra projects. I have provided details about the State's stand and the resolutions passed in the State legislature about these projects."

"The Union minister has assured speedy approval for the DPR for Mekedatu project and feasibility report on Mahadayi project. I am set to meet the Union Finance Minister tomorrow," Bommai said.

Mekedatu project

“We will get our judicious share of water from the Mekedatu project. The project would not pose any problem for Tamil Nadu. Their share of water would be released annually. Tamil Nadu is getting excess water except during distress years. Their share of water would be ensured in accordance with the Tribunal award, Bommai said.

The issue of taking up UKP 3rd phase project is before the court. The Union government has to submit its affidavit. I have requested the union minister to act on this. Our counsels too have presented their argument before the court. Efforts are also on for appointment of the Judge at the earliest, Bommai said.