Santosh Lad Urges BJP MPs to Press PM Modi on Environmental Clearance for Mahadayi Project

Bangalore Mail Team

Bengaluru : In a forceful appeal to Karnataka’s BJP representatives, Minister Santosh Lad has urged them to hold Prime Minister Narendra Modi accountable regarding the environmental clearance for the Kalasa-Banduri (Mahadayi) water diversion project. He emphasized that MPs must press the Centre to expedite approval and questioned why silence persists despite the project’s pressing public relevance.

Addressing reporters on July 28, Lad expressed concern over BJP leaders avoiding direct questioning of the Prime Minister. He underscored that access to water is a basic necessity and highlighted the project’s significance for communities dependent on it.

Lad’s statement comes amid escalating political tensions surrounding the Mahadayi river dispute. While Karnataka relies on the 2018 tribunal’s water-sharing verdict and a gazetted notification, the project faces delays due to objections from the Goa government over forest land use in the tiger reserve. Although the Centre approved the project’s detailed plan in December 2022, implementation is stalled by wildlife board discussions and Goa’s legal interventions.

Summary at a Glance

Key Aspects	Details
Central Message	Santosh Lad asks Karnataka BJP MPs to demand swift environmental approval from PM Modi
Political Landscape	Rising tensions over Mahadayi water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Goa
Current Roadblocks	Wildlife board delays, Goa’s objections over protected forest area use
Responses from Karnataka	Top state leaders including Santosh Lad have issued strong demands for Centre action

Why It Matters

— The Kalasa-Banduri project aims to divert Mahadayi river water to supply drinking water to North Karnataka districts.

—Karnataka has a legal claim via the tribunal decision and gazette notification, but continued delays are being viewed as political hurdles.

— As the role of BJP MPs becomes a focal point, Santosh Lad has thrust their responsibility into the spotlight.