India, June 13 -- Chief minister DK Shivakumar on Friday urged the Union government to accelerate approvals for a series of long pending irrigation and drinking water projects, including the Mekedatu balancing reservoir, arguing that delays were affecting the state's ability to expand irrigation and utilise its allocated water resources.

During a meeting with Union Jal Shakti minister CR Paatil in New Delhi, Shivakumar sought Central intervention on projects spanning the Cauvery, Krishna, Upper Bhadra and Mahadayi river basins, describing them as critical to Karnataka's agricultural and water security needs, according to statement from the CM's office.

In a memorandum submitted to the Union minister, Shivakumar said Karnataka, which has...