‘Set right historical injustices to resolve inter-State water dispute’

Prof. V.K. Nataraj speaks at ‘Kaveri Vivaada Ondu Aithihaasika Hinnota’ book release event

Mysore/Mysuru: The Kannada book ‘Kaveri Vivaada Ondu Aithihaasika Hinnota,’ authored by retired IPS Officer C. Chandrashekar, was unveiled at the Institution of Engineers India (IEI), Mysuru Chapter on JLB Road this morning. The English version of the book ‘Kaveri Dispute – A Historical Perspective’ authored by Chandrashekar himself, has already been released.

Addressing the gathering, retired Director of Madras Institute of Development Studies, Chennai, Prof. V.K. Nataraj, praised the extensive research evident in the book. He emphasised that instead of assigning blame, efforts should focus on rectifying historical injustices to resolve the long-standing inter-State water dispute.

Prof. Nataraj stressed the importance of judicious water usage, especially in the face of rising environmental concerns such as pollution, drought, and natural disasters. He called for heightened efforts to conserve the environment and reduce pollution levels.

Regarding previous incidents of violence during farmer movements, Prof. Nataraj advocated for preventive measures to prevent the hijacking of such movements. He stressed that the violence in these instances was not orchestrated by the farmers themselves, highlighting the need for understanding and addressing the root causes of such conflicts.

The Kaveri (Cauvery) families, representing farmers from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, should seek out-of-court solutions to the water dispute. In today’s scenario, legal recourse is often sought for various issues, including hosting cricket matches, which may not always lead to effective resolutions.

“Judges may face challenges in resolving these matters due to their technical and social complexities. Therefore, farmer leaders from both states should come together to find an amicable solution to the water dispute,” suggested Prof. Nataraj.

Humorist Prof. Krishnegowda remarked, “While rivers in the northern part of the country flow year-round, those in the south rely heavily on rainfall. Among them, the Kaveri (Cauvery) holds a divine status, yet ego-driven disputes persist for political gains. Additionally, the river’s flow from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu has fueled the ongoing dispute.”

Author of the book, C. Chandrashekar, who also served as Police Commissioner of Mysuru City, historian Prof. P.V. Nanjaraje Urs, publisher Abhiruchi Ganesh, and others were present.