Jubiliation in Cauvery heartland over 'historic' verdict

Mandya leaders, organisations to meet on Feb 17 to plan future action

For the first time in several decades, Mandya city was peaceful when the Supreme Court announced its final verdict related on Cauvery river water sharing dispute, on Friday.

The protest venue turned into a place of jubilation as soon as the verdict was out and was in favour of Karnataka.

A large number of people belonging to various organisations had gathered at the Sanjay Circle, all set to stage a protest if the apex court verdict goes against the state. But, when the verdict was in favour of Karnataka, the protestors jumped into joy and celebrated the moments observing 'Vijayotsava'.

Since last few days, the police were on high alert in the Cauvery heartland of Mandya as verdict affecting Karnataka's intetrest would have led to law and order problems in the district. Security was beefed up at Krishnagarajasagar (KRS) reservoir and other places in the district from Thursday, as a precautionary measure. However, the police heaved a sigh of relief as soon as the verdict was out at around 11 am on Friday.

Leaders of various parties and organisations celebrated the order by distributing sweets. Cauvery Hitharakshana Samiti President and former Mandya MP G Made Gowda welcomed the Supreme Court's verdict. "The SC's opinion over constituting Cauvery Water Management Board is a good development. Besides, the verdict helps in extending the irrigation area of the district. The people of Bengaluru will also get additional water for drinking purpose. For the first time, the court has considered the facts before announcing the verdict. I have convened a meeting of the representatives of various organisations and legal experts to discuss the future course of action on February 17," Gowda said.

Mandya MP C S Puttaraju said the apex court has understood the problems of the farmers. The additional water will enable the farmers to grow one more crop, he said.

As soon as the verdict was out, a large number of people including representatives of various organisations and officials visited Gowda at his home, shared sweets, and greeted him. KPCC general secretary M S Atmananda, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Superintending Engineer K G Vijayakumar, Executive Engineer Basavarajegowda and others visited him.

Speaking to DH, Vijayakumar said that for the first time there was peace around the KRS dam on the day the Cauvery verdict was announced.