Karnataka Budget 2026: Navali Balancing Reservoir mentioned, but project remains on paper

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah included the proposed Navali balancing reservoir project in the Karnataka State Budget, aiming to address the loss of water storage capacity in the Tungabhadra reservoir due to silt accumulation. The project requires inter-state consultations with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as well as approval from the Tungabhadra Board. Despite repeated mentions in previous budgets, the project has yet to progress beyond an announcement, raising concerns about its seriousness among farmers' leaders who demand tangible action.