TEAM HERALD
BELGAUM: Karnataka Opposition Leader H D Kumarswamy has accused the Goa government of not only meting out injustice to the people of north Karnataka by obtaining a stay on the Kalsa Bhandura water project, but is also indirectly responsible for the growing cost of the project.
He has warned the Karnataka Government to initiate concrete measures to complete the ongoing work on the Kalsa nullah or to face the music during the forthcoming winter legislative session in Belgaum from November 25.
“I have personally surveyed the ongoing work on Thursday and I am of the opinion that there should not be any problem in convincing the Mhadei Water Diversion Tribunal that will be inspecting the work in December,” said Kumarswamy.
“About 46 TMC of water is going waste in the Arabian Sea via Goa. Instead of that, the Goa government should consider the drinking water needs of the people of Hubli and Dharwad cities and surrounding villages and should cooperate with Karnataka for the completion of the project,” emphasized Kumarswamy, while addressing a news conference in Belgaum on Friday.
“By obtaining the stay on the project, the Goa government has not only meted out injustice to the people of north Karnataka, but is also indirectly responsible for the growing cost of the project.”
“I have also urged Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah to take an all-party delegation to the Central Water Tribunal and seek the completion of the project, which is very necessary to quench the thirst of the people.”
“Even Ministry of Environment and Forest should not object to the project as it is a drinking water requirement. Moreover, since Karnataka is also ruled by the Congress, it should be easier for the Karnataka government to convince the Center in this regard,” he stated, adding that all parties in Karnataka will support government of Karnataka in this endeavour.
Stating that irrespective of pride and prejudice, his party is willing to meet UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Congress Vice President Rahul Gnadhi, Kumarswamy has expressed confidence that Karnataka can convince the authorities about the project.
