CM seeks meeting with PM to discuss Cauvery issue

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has requested for a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi “at the earliest” to discuss the Cauvery river water dispute.

In his letter to Modi, which was dispatched on Saturday, Siddaramaiah has sought the former’s appointment to apprise him about the draft scheme proposed by the state government.

Siddaramaiah’s letter comes in the backdrop of Tamil Nadu’s demand for the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board.

Stating that Karnataka is strongly opposed to the Tamil Nadu’s demand, Siddaramaiah has said that the move will be detrimental to the state.

“Karnataka has strongly objected to Tamil Nadu’s stand and has communicated its views to the Ministry of Water Resources. The Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal’s reference to the Cauvery Management Board is more of a recommendation and not a decision. The scheme is not endorsed by the Supreme Court in its judgement dated February 16. Setting up of the Cauvery Management Board goes beyond the necessity of implementation of the award, as passed by the Tribunal, and as modified by the Supreme Court.

These provisions are destructive as they violate the powers of the state to manage its water, after ensuring 177.25 tmcft of water at Biligundlu. In view of this, I wish to meet you personally and apprise you of the merits of adopting the draft scheme proposed by Karnataka,” his letter reads.

The Supreme Court had directed the Centre to frame a scheme to implement it's February 16 order.

The deadline for framing the scheme was March 31. But the Centre has sought an extension in time. The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to submit a “draft scheme” before May 3.