The Hindu : Krishna tribunal may be set up by August

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Feb 03, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka

Krishna tribunal may be set up by August

By Our Staff Correspondent

KURGODU, FEB. 2. A tribunal is likely to be constituted by August to allocate surplus water in the Krishna among the riparian States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra, according to Allum Veerbhadrappa, Minister for Water Resources (Krishna Basin).

Responding to questions from presspersons here on Monday, Mr. Veerbhadrappa said this tribunal would comprise three High Court judges and an equal number of retired judges. The Union Government had written to the States concerned to suggest the names of judges for the posts. He said the Union Water Resources Minister had promised that the tribunal would be constituted before the end of August.

Mr. Veerbhadrappa said the State Government would consider the demand of the Andhra Pradesh Government for release of water from the Krishna for drinking depending on the water level in the reservoirs in the State.

He said bringing the Tungabhadra command area under the purview of the Karnataka Neeravari Nigam would benefit the region.

Some of the long-pending programmes such as modernisation/strengthening of canals in the Tungabhadra command area, construction of balancing reservoirs, among others, which could not be implemented for want of funds, could be taken up now.

Mr. Veerbhadrappa said priority was being accorded to recycling wastewater and to overcome water shortage being faced by farmers in the command areas. Steps would be taken to construct balancing reservoirs. Apart from Bennur in Koppal district, the department had proposed to construct balancing reservoirs at Jalibenchi and Madire, each with a capacity to augment about 0.5 tmcft of water.

About Rs. 20 crores had been released for re-starting the first phase work of the Singatalur Lift Irrigation Project across the Tungabhadra near Hadagali, the Minister said.

Mr. Veerbhadrappa said his party was in an advantageous position and expressed the confidence that it would return to power in the Assembly elections.

"The Congress Government, under the leadership of S. M. Krishna, has not only taken up development works, but had also responded to the people's needs and ensured peace and tranquillity in the State," he said.

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