DK Shivakumar Seeks Centre’s Intervention on Bengaluru Infrastructure, Irrigation and Sugarcane Crisis

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has sought the Centre’s intervention on several major issues facing the state, including Bengaluru’s infrastructure requirements, pending irrigation projects and the ongoing sugarcane crisis affecting farmers.

The Chief Minister has repeatedly argued that several major projects and policy decisions require cooperation or approvals from the Union government and cannot be resolved by the state alone.

Bengaluru Infrastructure Remains a Key Priority

Shivakumar has placed Bengaluru’s infrastructure challenges at the centre of his government’s development agenda.

Road development, traffic congestion, flood mitigation, public transport, waste management, lake conservation and other civic services have been identified as priority areas for the Greater Bengaluru region.

He has also defended large infrastructure proposals despite criticism, saying the government would take what he described as bold decisions to address the pressure created by Bengaluru’s rapidly expanding population and economy.

Centre’s Support Sought for Major Projects

Shivakumar has previously approached the Union government over funding and clearances for Bengaluru infrastructure and irrigation projects.

He has argued that major urban mobility and water projects require coordination between the state and Centre, particularly where central agencies, funding or approvals are involved.

The government has also highlighted Bengaluru’s role as a major technology, investment and employment hub while acknowledging the strain that population growth has placed on roads and public services.

Sugarcane Farmers’ Crisis Remains Unresolved

The Chief Minister has also sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention in Karnataka’s sugarcane dispute.

Farmers have been demanding better prices for sugarcane, while delayed crushing operations have created concerns about crop weight loss and declining sugar recovery.

Shivakumar has asked the Centre to review the minimum selling price of sugar, revise policies affecting cane-based ethanol and reconsider the base recovery rate used for calculating the Fair and Remunerative Price.

He has said that the sugar MSP has remained at ₹31 per kg since 2019 even as the sugarcane FRP has increased substantially, putting pressure on mills’ ability to pay farmers higher rates.

Farmers Seek Higher Sugarcane Prices

The dispute has triggered protests in several parts of Karnataka.

Farmer organisations have demanded higher payments for sugarcane, with demonstrations and calls for a statewide bandh reported amid dissatisfaction over pricing.

Shivakumar has appealed to farmers for cooperation and said the state government stands with them, while maintaining that some of their key demands require decisions by the Union government.

Irrigation and Water Security Also in Focus

Karnataka’s irrigation requirements have become particularly important amid drought conditions and water shortages.

Shivakumar has said the state will continue pursuing major water projects and protecting Karnataka’s interests in schemes involving the Mahadayi, Cauvery, Upper Krishna and other river systems.

The state has also been seeking central financial assistance for drought relief after large numbers of taluks were declared drought-affected.

Karnataka Seeks Greater Centre-State Coordination

The DK Shivakumar Centre intervention push therefore spans urban infrastructure, agriculture and water management.

The Karnataka government maintains that several of these problems require cooperation between New Delhi and Bengaluru, particularly for central funding, policy changes and approvals.

With Bengaluru infrastructure under increasing pressure and sugarcane farmers continuing to demand relief, Shivakumar has positioned stronger Centre-state coordination as essential to resolving the state's immediate development and agricultural challenges.