Central Industrial Security Force cover likely for major reservoirs

Karnataka will soon decide on entrusting security of its major reservoirs to either the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) or a private security agency in light of threat to the reservoirs, water resources minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Monday.

Karnataka will soon decide on entrusting security of its major reservoirs to either the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) or a private security agency in light of threat to the reservoirs, water resources minister Basavaraj Bommai said on Monday.

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This follows a proposal received from CISF and a private agency, offering protection to Alamatti dam in Bijapur district. "The proposals are being studied by the Home Department," Bommai said.

Once a decision was taken to either opt for CISF cover or that of a private security agency, the measures would be put in place at all major dams, he said.

The state would urge the Planning Commission to provide Rs 1,500 crore under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBPM) in 2010-11 to fund ongoing irrigation projects, Bommai said, adding that he would meet Planning Commission Member from Karnataka, Dr Kasturirangan in Delhi, on Tuesday in this regard.

The minister said the Planning Commission has sanctioned Rs 770 crore under AIBPM during 2009-10.