Land acquisition for Krishna projects under new law.

The State government will pay compensation to farmers for land acquisitions for projects under the Upper Krishna ‘B’ Scheme, according to the new central Land Acquisition Act passed last year.

Replying to a query in the Legislative Council by Ashwath Narayan of the Bharatiya Janata Party recently, Minister for Water Resources M.B. Patil said this would mean a four-fold increase in the funds needed for land acquisition in about 20 villages. Rules under the new legislation was being finalised in the State and objections had been invited, he added.

On the progress of infrastructure related to various projects, the Minister said head works and canal networks will be completed by the end of next year and tenders had been called. As much as 130 tmcft of water was allotted to Karnataka under Upper Krishna Project Stage-3 and nine projects are proposed under it.

He said there was some confusion regarding the order of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal and Karnataka had sought a clarificatory order, on which hearing is set to begin.

THE HINDU