CM Siddaramaiah Announces ₹70,000 Crore Irrigation Package for Kalyana Karnataka

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently celebrated Kalyana Karnataka Liberation Day, emphasizing the state's ongoing commitment to the region's comprehensive development. In his address, he highlighted key initiatives, budget allocations, and upcoming projects aimed at transforming the area.

The CM reflected on the historical significance of the day, recalling that while the rest of India gained independence on August 15, 1947, Kalyana Karnataka remained under Nizam's rule, oppressed by Razakars. He paid tribute to the sacrifices of local heroes and freedom fighters such as Sharanagouda Inamdar, Raja Venkatappa Nayak, Dattatreya Avaradi, Shivamurthy Swamy Alavandi, and Matamari Nagappa, acknowledging their pivotal role in integrating the region into the Indian Union with the support of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel.

Turning to development, Siddaramaiah highlighted progress since the implementation of Article 371-J in 2013, which has led to the identification of 1,19,923 posts for direct recruitment, with 84,620 already filled. He announced plans to fill the remaining vacancies in phases now that internal reservation issues have been resolved.

The government has allocated Rs. 5,000 crore to the Kalyana Karnataka Rail Development Board (KKRDB) for 2025-26, with over Rs. 14,000 crore spent on 41,103 projects so far, of which 32,985 have been completed. Siddaramaiah also detailed the significant investments in flagship welfare schemes, including nearly Rs. one lakh crore across programs like Shakti, Gruha Lakshmi, Anna Bhagya, and Yuva Nidhi, benefiting millions of women and unemployed youth in the region.

On irrigation, the CM announced approval for land acquisition for Phase III of the Krishna Upper Canal Project through farmer consent and plans to raise the height of the Almatti Dam. These measures aim to irrigate over 15 lakh acres across Raichur, Yadgir, Kalaburagi, and Koppal, with an investment of over Rs 70,000 crore planned over the next three years.

Furthermore, Siddaramaiah revealed that a dedicated Kalyana Karnataka Secretariat would be established in Kalaburagi, with a formal notification expected next week. Concluding his speech, he stressed that the development of Karnataka is incomplete without the progress of Kalyana Karnataka and urged citizens to unite in building a stronger, better future for both the region and the state.