Updated On: 07 Sep 2026
BENGALURU: Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday said any decision taken by the state government regarding the NICE project would be strictly within the framework of the law.
Speaking to reporters at the Devanahalli Industrial Area, Shivakumar said the government was reviewing all aspects of the project and would seek legal opinion before taking a decision.
“Whatever we do, we will do it within the framework of the law. We will seek legal opinion and are reviewing everything. We will not do anything outside the law. If there is a violation, there is a court and we will fight it,” he said.
On concerns over farmers who had lost their land to the project, Shivakumar said protecting their interests was the government’s responsibility.
“Previous governments had signed agreements and farmers have lost their property. They should be protected. It is the responsibility of the government to safeguard them,” he said.
More taluks likely to be declared drought-hit
On the drought situation, the Chief Minister said several more taluks were likely to be declared drought-affected based on scientific and technical assessments.
“A severe drought situation has arisen in the state. A decision will be taken in two to three stages based on scientific and technical reports,” he said.
Shivakumar said drought reports were being received from several taluks and areas that had gone without rain for 21 days would be identified for assessment.
“There is severe drought in many places. A decision will be taken based on the technical reports,” he said.
He also asked MLAs not to be concerned about the process, saying drought-hit areas would be identified scientifically and assistance would be provided accordingly.
Special Assembly session on farmers’ issues
Shivakumar said a special session of the Assembly had been convened to discuss the problems faced by farmers amid the severe drought.
“The government will scientifically assess the actual situation in drought-affected areas and take necessary steps to provide assistance to farmers,” he said.
He added that the drought assessment and declaration process was being carried out in stages and that all areas could not be covered simultaneously.
