BELAGAVI
The Khanapur Taluka unit of the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) will hold a meeting on Tuesday, August 4, at 11 am at the Raja Shiv Chhatrapati Memorial to discuss key issues affecting the region, with the proposed Kalasa-Bhandura water diversion project high on the agenda.
The MES claimed that the Karnataka Government has renewed efforts to implement the Kalasa-Bhandura project. It alleged that there are plans to divert water from the Malaprabha River and its tributaries and streams flowing through Kusamali, Parishwad and other parts of Khanapur taluka to supply water to other districts.
The organisation opposed the proposal, saying it would reduce the water available to Khanapur town and nearby villages. It claimed the project could lead to water shortages in the taluka in the future and affect thousands of residents.
The MES also expressed concern about the environmental impact of the project. It said diverting water could harm the region’s forests and biodiversity. According to the organisation, Khanapur’s natural environment could suffer long-term damage if the project goes ahead. It also claimed that the project would not benefit Khanapur and would instead have lasting environmental and social consequences.
Besides the water diversion issue, the meeting will also discuss the long-pending Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute and other organisational matters. The appeal to attend the meeting has been jointly issued by Khanapur Taluka MES president Gopalrao Desai, former MLA Digambar Patil, working president Muralidhar Patil, Niranjan Sardesai and general secretary Abasaheb Dalvi.
They have urged members to attend the meeting and support the organisation’s stand on issues affecting Khanapur.
