Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged the Central government to accelerate pending irrigation projects in the state, citing delays due to lack of approvals, particularly for the Mahadayi project. Speaking at a regional event for distributing agricultural equipment at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi on Sunday, he stressed the state’s readiness to implement major initiatives like Mahadayi, Mekedatu, and the Krishna Upper River Project once clearances are granted.
He criticised the delay in obtaining forest clearance for the Mahadayi project, stating that the work could begin “tomorrow itself” if permissions were received. The CM reaffirmed that irrigation is a key priority for Karnataka, with the government committing over ₹25,000 crore toward both major and minor irrigation works.
To strengthen agriculture, Siddaramaiah pointed to schemes like ‘Krishi Bhagya’, aimed at supporting dryland farmers, with ₹200 crore allocated. He noted that over 25,000 agricultural wells and ponds were built last year. Highlighting the rising need for mechanisation due to a labour shortage caused by urban migration, the CM announced subsidies for agricultural machinery, particularly for sugarcane farmers in Belagavi division. General category farmers will receive a 40% subsidy, while SC/ST farmers are eligible for a 50% subsidy.
During the event, the Chief Minister distributed agricultural equipment worth ₹40 crore, including 78 sugarcane harvesters, 100 power tillers, 165 rotovators, 120 ploughs, 100 fodder cutters, 64 seed drills, 26 pile drivers, five stubble cutters, 12 soil sprayers, and 1,480 sprinklers.
Siddaramaiah also addressed the issue of declining farm labour, attributing it to migration to urban areas. He said that 62% of India’s population relies on agriculture, and in Karnataka, 64% of farmers depend on dryland farming. The government’s focus remains on protecting their interests and ensuring food security, he added.
Separately, the CM reiterated the government’s plan to regularise the jobs of all pourakarmikas (civic workers), ending contract-based employment. Speaking after inaugurating the Smart Kalamandir—a ₹47.8 crore multi-purpose commercial complex developed under the Smart City project in Belagavi—he said the process is under way to directly recruit pourakarmikas with a minimum salary of ₹17,000.
He also announced that drivers and operators under panchayats will receive minimum wages and that three-wheelers will be provided to all persons with disabilities. Highlighting the progress under Smart City projects, Siddaramaiah said ₹6,928 crore has been sanctioned across the state, with ₹3,500 crore as the state’s share. Pending works in Belagavi city will be completed soon, he assured.
The Chief Minister also addressed compensation concerns for the Halaga Sewage Treatment Plant, promising further review. Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh added that pourakarmikas across the state will be considered for permanent employment within three years, and ₹200 crore is being allocated to 10 municipal corporations. Additionally, over 50,000 properties in Belagavi will soon have digital records.
Public representatives and senior officials, including Satish Jarkiholi, Laxmi Hebbalkar, Abhay Patil, and others, were present during the events.
