Madikeri:  The rally initiated by Codava National Council (CNC) urging the government to accord a living entity status for River Cauvery concluded at Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu.

Disclosing this at a press meet here yesterday, CNC President N.U. Nachappa said that the rally commenced from Talacauvery on May 24 and after traversing Kodagu, Mysuru, Mandya, Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Tiruchirapalli, Tanjavur and Srirangam reached Poompuhar, the place where river Cauvery joins the Bay of Bengal. He further said that public meetings were held at districts through which Cauvery passes to create awareness among people on the importance and sanctity of River Cauvery.

Continuing, Nachappa pointed out that Cauvery was one among the seven sacred rivers of vedic times which has been highlighted in Sanskrit shlokas. He said that Uttarakhand and Madhya Pradesh Governments had accorded living status to Rivers Ganga-Yamuna and Narmada respectively on the lines of Hindu Goddesses. He asserted that all rivers have their own importance and sanctity and regretted that Cauvery River has not acquired the desired status.

Nachappa contended that political leaders in other States give prominence to sources of rivers unlike in Karnataka. He said that letters on the subject have been written to River Water Tribunal of United Nations, President, Prime Minister, Union Home Minister and Water Resources Minister. He mentioned that people in Tamil Nadu gave a rousing welcome for the rally and expressed devotion for River Cauvery. He added that similar awareness programmes would go on  further.

Nachappa said that three major decisions have been taken during the rally:

1. Living entity with legal person status should be accorded for River Cauvery on the lines of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and Narmada.
2. Grant of autonomy to Kodava land enjoyed till 1956. River Cauvery originating in Kodagu should be earmarked for the welfare of the people with no bias.
3. Talacauvery and Poompuhar should be declared and maintained as holy shrines on the lines of Mecca-Madina, Vatican and Jerusalem.