State government to embark on 'clean Cauvery' mission

The State government will chalk out a plan to clean River Cauvery along the lines of the Centre’s scheme to clean the Ganges, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Monday.

Speaking after inaugurating various development works at Gandhi Maidana here, he said many states, including Karnataka, were using Cauvery river water not only for irrigation but also for drinking purpose. Bangalore is dependent on Cauvery water. So, the river should be cleaned, he said.

“We are the beneficiaries of Cauvery Nadu (Kodagu). If it rains well in Kodagu, there will be no problem for the people of the State and Tamil Nadu. Fortunately, for the past two years, the region has been receiving copious rainfall.

Bhagamandala gets affected by Cauvery floodwaters every year. To solve the problem, the Major Irrigation department will construct a flyover,” he said.

Kasturirangan report
“The people of Kodagu need not worry about the implementation of the Kasturirangan report. I promise that the report will not harm anyone here,” Siddaramaiah said.
He said the report had recommended certain restrictions on rock mining, coffee plantation, etc.

The State government opposes those recommendations and it will convey this to the Central government, he added.

Replying to a query, Siddaramaiah said he would discuss the issue of changing the path of Mysore-Kozhikode 400kV high-tension powerline after discussing the matter with officials.

The committee has submitted its report and the government will discuss the issue with the local farmers before taking a decision, he said.

District in-charge Minister K J George, Public Works Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa, Revenue Minister Srinivas Prasad, ZP president Shareen Subbaiah, MLA K G Bopaiah and former minister M C Nanaiah were present.