The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Eshwarappa for meet in Hubli on Mahadayi diversion project

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jun 30, 2006

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Eshwarappa for meet in Hubli on Mahadayi diversion project

Staff Reporter

Suggests that meeting be held in Hubli on July 17

BANGALORE: Water Resources Minister K.S. Eshwarappa on Thursday suggested a meeting of MPs and legislators along with the Chief Minister in Hubli on July 17 to come up with a strategy to overcome the stumbling block in the Kalasa-Banduri nala (Mahadayi) project, which will bring drinking water to Hubli and Dharwad.

He was responding to the discussion on the slow progress of irrigation projects in Belgaum district initiated by M.P. Nadagouda and Basavaraj Bommai (JD-U). Both contended that technical hindrances and red tape were to blame for the retarded progress.

They also said the Government had failed to state its case and defend its rights against a tiny State, Goa, which had successfully lobbied with the Centre to get the clearance given to the project held in abeyance.

The project envisages the construction of a canal connecting the Kalasa and Banduri nalas, across the Mahadayi, which flows in Maharashtra, Karnataka (through Belgaum) and mainly in Goa as the Mandovi. This will harness 7.56 tmcft of water.

Mr. Bommai said Karnataka should not allow Goa to misrepresent facts, particularly in persisting in its demand that the issue should be referred to a tribunal. "Drinking water projects need not go before a tribunal, and States are generally not expected to refuse to share this vital resource when it comes to drinking water needs," he pointed out.

Leader of the Opposition H.K. Patil said the Mahadayi project was now being discussed by the second generation of MLCs. Mr. Bommai's father, the former Chief Minister S.R. Bommai, had been the first to take it seriously. Mr. Patil noted that his own father, the late K.H. Patil, had participated in endless debates on the issue as a Minister.

He said the Government had not followed up the progress of the project in New Delhi after an all-party meeting that followed the April 4 meeting, which indicated a lack of interest.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka