Minister Ananth Kumar wants river-linking project in Karnataka

Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilisers H N Ananth Kumar on Thursday said stressed the need for river inter-linking programme in Karnataka to overcome the drinking water problem.

He said this while addressing the gathering at an event to mark Dr Channabasava Pattadevara Smaranotsava and annoinment of Gurubasava Swami at Channabasavaasharama here on Thursday.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has implemented a project to link River Godavari with River Krishna and there by mitigated the water scarcity in the region. 

The inter-linking programme has diverted 80 TMC feet of water from Godavari to Krishna. The Karnataka government should take up river inter-linking programme, he said.

As many as 337 villages in Bidar district are reeling under severe shortage of drinking water. There is a need to supply water to the affected villages through the tankers, the minister said adding that everyone should join hands to work towards  minimising the effect of the severity of drought.

The Karnataka government should prepare an action plan for a permanent drinking water scheme for Bidar district and submit the same to the Centre. 

“We will talk to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and get the project approved by the Centre,” the Union minister assured.

The mercury level in the state is soaring. As many as 136 taluks in the state are reeling under drought conditions. 

Members of Parliament from Karnataka, MLAs and MLCs have decided to donate a month’s salary to drought relief works, Ananth Kumar said.