the goan I network
BELAGAVI
Karnataka Minister for Water Resources Ramesh Jarkiholi has said work on the Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project, which had stopped due to the Mhadei Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) order, will start after clearance from the Supreme Court.
Speaking to media persons after his visit to the Kalsa-Bhandura site near Kankumbi village on Saturday, Jarkiholi also stated that work would not commence unless all legal and environmental obstacles are cleared.
Jarkiholi told reporters that he had visited the site as the farmers had invited him to Kankumbi.
“The Karnataka government will allot Rs 200 crore for the completion and implementation of the Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project. As per the last verdict of the MWDT, Karnataka should get 32 tmc ft of water from the Mhadei. However, we are waiting for the Supreme Court’s verdict on the petition filed by Goa, the hearing of which is scheduled for March 2.”
“Work on the Kalsa Bhandura project will commence only after legal clearance from the Supreme Court,” Jarkiholi said.
He added that the
drinking water issue of parched north Karnataka region, especially the twin cities of Hubbali-Dharwad, would be resolved after the final judgement of the Supreme Court, which is expected to arrive in July.
“We are hopeful of getting at least 40 tmc ft of Mhadei water share at that stage after the Supreme Court’s judgement in July. I have requested our CM Yeddiyurappa to reserve Rs 200 crore in the budget for the implementation of this project before the final outcome of SC.”
“I feel that the clearance of the environment department is essential for the drinking water project. We are also making a study on this aspect as well,” Jarkiholi added.
Saudatti MLA Anand Mamani, Khanapur former MLA Aravind Patil and others were also present along with the minister.
