Despite holding a substantial ₹24,996.3 crore in funds earmarked for development projects in Karnataka’s mining-affected districts, the Karnataka Mining Environment Restoration Corporation (KMERC) has faced criticism for delays in utilizing these resources. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the urgency of completing detailed project reports (DPRs) within a week to expedite initiatives under the Comprehensive Environmental Plan for Mining Impact Zone (CEPMIZ).
During a review meeting, Siddaramaiah underscored the need for transforming Ballari, Vijayanagara, Chitradurga, and Tumakuru into model districts through the timely execution of projects funded by KMERC. Former Supreme Court judge B. Sudarshan Reddy, overseeing CEPMIZ, approved 358 projects worth ₹7,928.78 crore, with the government sanctioning ₹3,468.41 crore for 182 projects. Tenders have been initiated for 135 projects, and work orders have been issued for 47.
The Chief Minister directed the establishment of project monitoring units and instructed departments to bypass standard tender conditions for these critical projects. Key allocations include ₹5,271.96 crore for railways, ₹4,929.84 crore for drinking water, ₹1,915.78 crore for health, ₹2,655.17 crore for the environment, ₹2,559.17 crore for roads, and ₹1,193.98 crore for housing. Siddaramaiah also urged swift action on irrigation projects and infrastructure repairs in educational institutions.
The meeting highlighted concerns over bureaucratic delays, prompting Siddaramaiah to urge for accelerated efforts in addressing mining-related infrastructure challenges in the state’s affected districts.
