DKS seeks BJP backing to press Centre on UKP

THE irrigation department needs Rs 87,818 crore for the Upper Krishna project as per the estimate done by former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai and the cost would go up if the estimate is done now, said Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar.

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He said Upper Krishna has to be designated as a national project and sought the support of BJP members at the Legislative Council on Thursday.

Shivakumar, who is also Major and Medium Irrigation Minister, in his reply to MLC P H Poojar, who had asked if the process of acquiring land for the third phase of the project has begun, said, "The budget of both the major and minor irrigation departments is Rs 22,000 crore. However, the state is committed to completing the project."