Yogesh K Porwar
*Chief Minister to Meet Legal Experts Today and Take a Decision After Consultations.
*Tamil Nadu’s Consent Is Not Required for Mekedatu; It Is Karnataka’s Right.
*Deputy Chief Minister Dr.G.Parameshwara Speaks to the Media.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr.G.Parameshwara said it was unjustified to direct Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu when the State was facing severe drought conditions.
“We release water when we have more than what we need.However,when Karnataka itself is facing a shortage of drinking water,such an order is not justified,”he said.
Speaking to the media near his residence in Sadashivanagar today,Dr.Parameshwara said the Chief Minister had proposed convening an all-party meeting.
“When water is available,we release it even without being asked.We have released more than the stipulated quantity in the past.
But this year,when we do not have enough water even for drinking,how is it justified to direct us to release 3,500 cusecs?”he asked.
Dr. Parameshwara said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister may visit Bengaluru on August 3,although the visit had not yet been confirmed.
“If he visits,we will raise the issue with him as well.The Chief Minister will meet legal experts in Delhi today and may take a decision after consultations,”he said.
Responding to the protest call issued by pro-Kannada organisations over the Cauvery issue, he said farmers’ organisations and various groups in Mandya and the surrounding regions would naturally protest.
“They protested yesterday as well.They know that there is no water and are concerned that the Government may release whatever little water is available.That is why they are protesting,”he said.
Responding to a question about the Tamil Nadu Government writing to the Union Government opposing the Mekedatu project, Dr.Parameshwara said Karnataka had a legal right to implement the project and that Tamil Nadu’s consent was not required.
“The court has stated that Karnataka has a legal right over the Mekedatu project and does not require Tamil Nadu’s consent.
They are free to write letters, and we have no objection. However, the Prime Minister is not above the court. The court’s decision is final,” he said.
Responding to a question about the BJP opposing Vijay’s visit to Karnataka because of his stand against the Mekedatu project,Dr.Parameshwara said disputes between neighbouring States were common in a federal system and should be resolved through dialogue.
“Recently, Chandrababu Naidu and Revanth Reddy attended the inauguration of the newly installed gates at the Tungabhadra reservoir.Our Chief Minister was also present,” he said.
“They discussed interlinking rivers and sharing water and agreed that the States should resolve these issues among themselves.
When the proposal to build another reservoir was raised, the Union Minister for Jal Shakti said at the same event that the Union Government would bear 90% of the cost and the State would contribute 10%,” he said.
“If neighbouring States can discuss their concerns and resolve them amicably, why is the BJP objecting? Does it want States to remain in constant conflict? Perhaps the BJP’s policy is that States should not cooperate with one another,” he said.
Responding to a media question about the Union Government’s response to the drought situation,Dr. Parameshwara said the rainfall pattern would be monitored until the end of August,following which another report would be submitted.
Normally, after a report is submitted in August,a Central team visits the State in September to assess the situation.
It then examines the assistance sought by the State and determines the amount of relief to be released,”he said.
Dr.Parameshwara said a comprehensive report on the prevailing drought situation had already been submitted to the Union Government.
“We have primarily requested that Karnataka’s drought-affected regions be declared as areas affected by a natural disaster.
We have also sought relaxation of some of the criteria prescribed by the Union Government for declaring drought,”he said.
Under the existing norms, some taluks facing rainfall deficits of up to 80% cannot be declared drought-affected.We have therefore requested that these criteria be relaxed,”he said.
Responding to a question on Cabinet expansion, Dr. Parameshwara said Rahul Gandhi,the AICC President, the party’s Karnataka in-charge, its general secretaries and the Chief Minister would discuss the matter in Delhi and take a final decision.
“Rahul Gandhi was on a foreign visit,and therefore there had been no opportunity for discussions.As Parliament is currently in session,greater priority must naturally be given to it,”he said.
Responding to a question about discussions on appointing additional Deputy Chief Ministers,he said, “I have no information about it. We must accept whatever decision the High Command takes.”
