States » SouthPosted at: Nov 13 2026 5:12PM


Shivakumar presses PM Modi on Mekedatu, Western Ghats, CSR funds

Mysuru, Nov 13 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday used Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Mysuru to press the Centre on three contentious issues, seeking a push for the Mekedatu drinking water project, intervention over the Western Ghats conservation report and a national policy framework to channel corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds into government schools.
Making a direct pitch for Karnataka's interests at the inauguration of the Cosmos Planetarium in the presence of Modi and union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Shivakumar said the state needed the Centre's urgent support and cooperation to address critical developmental challenges.
Pointing to the Cauvery river and the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, Shivakumar urged Modi to ensure that the union government extended legal assistance and expedited the remaining clearances.
"We want you to help us legally. We want the union Government to grant the final clearance. It is a vital balancing reservoir project," he said.
The Chief Minister asserted that Karnataka was entitled to take forward the project, referring to the Supreme Court's verdict on the Cauvery dispute, and called upon the Centre to facilitate its implementation.
He also sought Modi's intervention on the Kasturirangan report concerning the Western Ghats, saying Karnataka had conducted consultations and adopted a unanimous resolution opposing its recommendations. "We want you to help us on this," he told the Prime Minister.
In another significant demand, Shivakumar sought a framework for deploying CSR contributions towards government primary education and healthcare, arguing that corporate funds should help bridge the quality gap between urban and rural institutions.
"Karnataka wants every village student to have access to the quality of education available in towns and urban centres," he said, urging the Centre to issue appropriate CSR guidelines to ensure that funds were channelled through government institutions.
While the occasion was centred on science education and Karnataka's contribution to India's space ambitions, Shivakumar used the platform to underline the state's strategic importance as a scientific and technological talent hub.
Welcoming Modi to Mysuru, he described the Cosmos Planetarium as a landmark in the city's intellectual and cultural journey, saying it would inspire young people to pursue scientific research and innovation.
He said Karnataka's contribution to India's space programme stretched from the Aryabhata satellite to Chandrayaan and Aditya-L1, besides the country's ambitious Gaganyaan mission.
"Karnataka produces more than 1.5 lakh engineers every year. Our students participate in satellite development and space research, contributing to national missions," he said.
Stressing that scientific opportunities should not be confined to metropolitan centres, Shivakumar said a child's opportunity to explore science should not depend on whether he or she lived in Bengaluru or a remote village.
He asked the state Science and Technology Department to explore the establishment of facilities similar to the Cosmos Planetarium in other parts of Karnataka and welcomed the proposal for one in Vijayanagara district.
He said the state's mobile digital planetarium initiative had already reached more than 19 lakh students and teachers in their schools.
Highlighting the Karnataka Space Technology Policy 2025, he said it was designed to support startups, strengthen research, develop skilled manpower and foster partnerships between industry and academic institutions.
Space technology, he noted, had applications well beyond rockets and satellites, transforming agriculture, weather forecasting, disaster management, communication and public services.
Recalling the erstwhile Mysore Maharaja's contribution to the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said Karnataka had a longstanding tradition of supporting scientific research and education.
He congratulated the Indian Institute of Astrophysics and the University of Mysore for their role in establishing the planetarium, which he said would add a new dimension to Mysuru's educational and tourism landscape.
Located at the foothills of Chamundi Hills, the facility could become another attraction for visitors to Mysuru alongside the palace, Ranganathittu and Chamundeshwari temple, he added.
Shivakumar concluded by urging the Centre to support Karnataka's talent pool, research ecosystem and educational ambitions, saying the state was committed to preparing its young people for global opportunities.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Shivakumar presses PM Modi on Mekedatu# Western Ghats# CSR funds
More News

Kerala 17th in rice price inflation; Centre's data contradicts claims of abnormal price rise

15 Nov 2026 | 8:19 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (UNI) Kerala ranks 17th among States and union Territories in retail rice price inflation, with the rate remaining significantly below the national average, according to data released by the union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

see more..

Karnataka HC quashes SC/ST Act case against Baba Kalyani

15 Nov 2026 | 8:18 PM

Bengaluru, Nov 15 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, against Bharat Forge Chairman Babasaheb N Kalyani, businessman Ashok Kheny and D Ravishankar, holding that the unexplained 11-year delay in filing the complaint amounted to an abuse of the process of law.

see more..

N Badusha selected for seventh Dr Kamaruddin Memorial Environment Award

15 Nov 2026 | 8:16 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (UNI) N. Badusha, a veteran environmental activist known for his decades-long efforts to protect the ecological heritage of Wayanad, has been selected for the seventh Dr Kamaruddin Memorial Environment Award for 2026.

see more..

Hyd: CognitiveBotics releases Children's Day film celebrating small victories of neurodivergent children

15 Nov 2026 | 8:14 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 15 (UNI) CognitiveBotics, an AI-powered early intervention platform for autism and developmental delays, has released a Children's Day brand film titled 'Progress is Priceless', celebrating the everyday achievements of neurodivergent children and the efforts of their parents.

see more..

UST Trivandrum Marathon attracts over 14,000 runners; Basil Joseph flags off third edition

15 Nov 2026 | 8:14 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (UNI) More than 14,000 runners from over 10 countries and 25 states participated in the third edition of the UST Trivandrum Marathon held here on Sunday, marking a nearly threefold increase in participation since its launch three years ago.

see more..