'Mere meetings will not solve Mahadayi'

Former prime minister H D Deve Gowda has said that the Mahadayi drinking water sharing issue cannot be solved by just holding meetings.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme at Vadalu Kumarashrama mutt in the taluk on Friday, he said that BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa attended the meeting of Goa and Maharashtra chief ministers convened by BJP president Amit Shah in New Delhi. "Shah had directed both the CMs to arrive at a decision on the river water sharing. But, people are aware of the statement of Goa CM Manohar Parrikar, issued after his return from Delhi," he said.

Parrikar has clarified that Goa will not oppose giving water to Karnataka for drinking needs but it must be discussed bilaterally as suggested by the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal and he cannot take a decision. Hence, it is difficult to solve the problem, Gowda opined.

"When I was the prime minister, I ensured that Bengaluru city had sufficient drinking water even though the Cauvery issue was before the court. If there is an honest effort, anything can be done. If there is no interest, it is difficult to find a solution," he said.

Speaking about aspirants for the upcoming elections, Gowda said that, "JD(S) state president H D Kumaraswamy is holding meetings with the aspirants of all constituencies at the party office. I have no information on this. I will hold a meeting in this regard and a final decision will be taken soon."