Kalsa Bhandura issue
BELAGAVI: With 135 talukas in Mumbai-Karnataka region and Hyderabad-Karnataka region being declared as 'drought-hit' talukas, the Karnataka government has decided to take another all-party delegation to the Prime Minister.
Presenting the grim situation, the delegation will once again seek the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in seeking for an amicable settlement between Karnataka and Goa regarding the Kalsa Bhandura water diversion issue.
Karnataka Minister for Water Resources M B Patil told The Goan that a decision in this regard was taken during an all-party meeting in Bangalore on Saturday. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah chaired the meeting that was convened in the conference hall of the Vidhan Soudha. Apart from the members of the state cabinet, senior leaders from the ruling Congress party, BJP, JDS and farmer organizations were present for the meeting.
Minister Patil said farmers in north Karnataka region have continued their agitation for the implementation of the project. The weakest monsoons last year has led to the grim situation, as people from 135 talukas in the region are sweltering under heat of 40 to 45 degree celsius.
Leaders from all the parties said there is no other solution to the water scarcity problem in north Karnataka region other than implementation of the Kalsa- Bhandura water diversion project, Patil said.
Karnataka government has written a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking an appointment for the meeting. The Karnataka MPs from all parties are following up the matter with the Prime Minister. The delegation would leave for Delhi immediately after getting the date with the Prime Minister, said Patil.
According to the information from the authorities, Karnataka government has pressed in water supply by tankers to these drought-affected villages. Due to severe shortage, fodder for the animals is also being provided.
Meanwhile, despite restrictions by the tribunal, the work on the work on the project continued at Jamboti. A couple of JCB machines and workers are still working on the project.
