Karnataka officials ordered to expedite Upper Krishna Project land acquisition

Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has ordered officials to accelerate land acquisition and compensation for the Upper Krishna Project (UKP). The directive focuses on the first and second phases of the project, while also initiating land acquisition for UKP Stage-3 on a proportionate basis.

The project involves 184 villages expected to be submerged by the backwaters of the Almatti reservoir. The government has set a target to distribute compensation for approximately 15,000 acres of the total 75,563 acres this year. Officials have been instructed to follow established government guidelines and avoid arbitrary decision-making during the process.

Gram panchayats have been tasked with identifying land for rehabilitation. Additionally, the minister warned of legal action regarding allegations of unauthorized sale agreements involving rehabilitation centers.