To end century-old rift between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

T. Narasipur: JD(S) MLC K.T. Srikantegowda has urged the Union Government to give its nod for the Mekedatu drinking water project in order to bury the hatchet between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu that existed for many decades.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here yesterday, he wanted the BJP-led NDA Government to clear the Mekedatu project, a lifeline of farmers of 11 districts of Karnataka. This alone will protect the interests of farmers of this region. The need for taking up the Mekedatu project must be explained to Tamil Nadu by the Union Government, he said.

Injustice to Kannadigas

The MLC said, though Cauvery takes birth in Karnataka, it was used largely by Tamil Nadu. The share of Karnataka out of the total water availability was 55 percent, followed by Tamil Nadu with 33 percent and Kerala 18 percent. But Tamil Nadu was getting 58 percent of water and only 33 percent was meant for Karnataka. The only panacea for this has been taking up the Mekedatu project. The Union Government must okay this project and the State Government must start the work without delay. This will end the standoff between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The MPs from Karnataka must strive to find solutions but not create animosity among people, he stated.

KRS Dam is safe

MLC K.T. Srikantegowda claimed that the KRS Dam was safe. There was no truth whatsoever in the statement of Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambarish that the Dam has developed cracks.

Need of the hour was to take up the Mekedatu project under which a balancing reservoir will be constructed to impound 45 tmc ft of water for drinking and power generation and then release 35 tmc ft of water to the neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The project was being taken up as per suggestions from the Supreme Court.

The Centre has maintained a stoic silence on three river linking projects taken up by the Tamil Nadu Government at a cost of Rs.11,960 crore, he said.