Politics · India Bureau
North Karnataka activists seek dedicated water resources minister
Civil society groups and farming leaders in north Karnataka have appealed to the state government to create a separate ministerial portfolio focused exclusively on irrigation projects in the region, citing the complexity and scale of water management challenges.
LSN India ·
A coalition of activists and agricultural leaders from north Karnataka has submitted a formal appeal requesting the establishment of a dedicated ministerial position for water resources and irrigation projects in the region. The petition was filed by members of Krishna Kolla Jal Sanrakshana Horata Samiti, a water conservation advocacy group, along with prominent farming representatives.
Signatories to the letter include Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni and farmers' leader Aravind Kulkarni, among others. The group contends that irrigation infrastructure and water resource management in north Karnataka requires focused administrative attention and specialized oversight that current governance arrangements do not adequately provide.
The appeal reflects ongoing concerns within agricultural and environmental circles about the region's water security and the implementation of irrigation projects. North Karnataka's economy remains heavily dependent on agriculture, making effective water resource management critical for the livelihoods of farming communities.
The activists argue that a dedicated minister would ensure streamlined decision-making, improved project execution, and better coordination among various stakeholders involved in irrigation development. The proposal underscores broader regional demands for administrative recognition of north Karnataka's distinct water management needs.