No Legal Hurdle for Alamatti Dam Height Increase, DK Shivakumar Signals All-Party Push on UKP Phase 3

NewsFlash Daily™

19 March

Karnataka DCM says legal clearance received, plans all-party delegation to PM; hints at Cabinet reshuffle, bypoll ticket decision soon

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar on Wednesday said there are no legal hurdles to increasing the height of the Alamatti dam under the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) Phase 3, and announced plans to convene an all-party meeting to take the proposal forward.

Speaking to reporters at his residence in Bengaluru Today, Shivakumar, who also holds the Irrigation portfolio, said legal experts, including senior advocates and the Advocate General have cleared concerns regarding the project, paving the way for further action.

“Our legal advisors have confirmed there are no legal hurdles. We will soon take a decision after consulting all parties,” he said.

All-Party Delegation Planned, MPs Briefed

The DCM said he recently held discussions in Delhi with 24 Members of Parliament across party lines, excluding the Janata Dal (Secular), to brief them on irrigation projects. Leaders including Basavaraj Bommai, Jagadish Shettar and Govind Karjol offered suggestions.

He added that a consensus has been reached to take an all-party delegation to meet the Prime Minister and the Union Jal Shakti Minister, signaling a coordinated push for the project.

Second Airport, FAR Norms Also Under Review

Shivakumar revealed that discussions are ongoing regarding a second airport for Bengaluru, based on a proposal submitted by M. B. Patil. He said the matter would be placed before the Cabinet after reviewing land acquisition, financial feasibility and regulatory aspects.

He also highlighted concerns over Premium FAR and building height restrictions in Bengaluru, stating that the issue has been raised with the Civil Aviation Ministry and further discussions with the Defence Ministry are planned.

Congress Bypoll Tickets Soon, High Command to Decide

On the upcoming by-elections, Shivakumar said the distribution of ‘B’ forms will be decided by the party High Command, after consultations at all levels.

Referring to internal debates, he said, “The party’s interest is paramount. We have gathered inputs from booth-level workers to senior leaders. A final decision will be taken soon.”

He mentioned that family considerations will not influence ticket allocation, even as multiple aspirants stake claim in key constituencies.

Cabinet Reshuffle Buzz Gains Momentum

Addressing speculation about a Cabinet reshuffle, Shivakumar said there is nothing wrong in MLAs aspiring to become ministers, especially after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah hinted at possible changes.

“When there is a possibility, people will naturally aspire. Time will decide everything,” he remarked.

He declined to comment on internal leadership discussions or reports of meetings with senior leaders like Priyanka Gandhi, stating that such matters would be decided by the party.

Political Signals Ahead of Key Decisions

With UKP Phase 3 gaining momentum, bypoll tickets pending and Cabinet reshuffle speculation intensifying, Shivakumar’s statements underline a crucial phase in Karnataka politics, where administrative decisions and political strategy are closely intertwined.