CM retracts words on Netravati project

Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda denied reports of him anno­uncing the implementation of the Netravati River Diversion Project at a public meet in Tumkur on Sunday.

Speaking to reporters here on Monday, he retracted his statement and said: “I have always been committed towards providing water to the four districts of Tumkur, Chitradurga, Kolar and Chikkaballapur. However, I never said I would provide water to the four districts through the implementation of the Netravati River Diversion project. I have opposed the project several times as an MP. My stance towards the project does not change just because I am the chief minister.”

However, the chief minister said he would soon convene a meeting of MLAs and elected representatives of the four districts and discuss the pros and cons of the project.

Water experts have suggested that water from Bhadra river could address irrigation needs of Kolar and Chikkaballapur districts. However, the project will be implemented only after study on its feasibility, Sadananda Gowda said.