Former Minister and spokesperson of Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee Priyank Kharge alleged that the norms and laws in force were grossly violated in the implementation of two projects in Kalaburagi — one for the development of the Sharanabasaveshwara lake at the heart of the city and other for constructing a flyover on Ring Road at Sedam Road junction.
“One of the conditions that Karnataka Tank Conservation and Development Authority had set in its No-Objection Certificate issued to the project was not constructing any structure in the buffer zone of the lake. Let alone the buffer zone, the lake itself is encroached upon for the construction of structures in the project. The project was also not in compliance with the terms of the Minor Irrigation Department. There is no approval from Deputy Commissioner. There is no environmental clearance from the competent authority. Yet, the project was taken up and a sum of ₹6 crore in the total project cost of ₹20 crore is already spent,” Mr. Priyank said at a media conference at the local Congress office in Kalaburagi on Saturday.
The former Minister also set a 15-day deadline for the government to answer all his questions pertaining to the project and said that his party would file a criminal case in court seeking action against all the officers, politicians and contractors who violated the norms in force.
