JOIN USBriefing media persons on the meeting here on Monday, Major and Medium Irrigation Minister Basavaraj Bommai said the meeting decided that water from the reservoirs would be used only for agriculture and drinking. No water would be supplied to new industries. He said the industries can utilise the water in the river basin if surplus was available. He suggested that industries create facilities to store water during monsoon.
A three-member committee had been set up with the Chief Secretary, and Secretary, Industry guiding it, to ensure strict implementation of the decision, he said. The 132-tmc ft Tungabhadra reservoir in Hospet is filled with silt to the extent of 28 tmc ft, and a global tender had been floated for desilting. six firms participated in the tender process. The Government will take a decision keeping in view the interest of farmers and the expenditure involved.