Karnataka to enter MoU with Maha for exchanging waters

Karnataka has agreed in-principle to the demand of Maharashtra for exchanging water for water. Soon a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard will be signed by both the states. State chief secretary will communicate in this regard to Maharashtra today itself.

Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar conducted meeting of elected representatives and officials from Belagavi, Vijajapur and Bagalkot districts regarding the MoU proposal given by Maharashtra here on Monday.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Shivakumar said, elected representatives from the three districts irrespective of their political affiliations have given constructive suggestions regarding exchanging water with Maharashtra and meet the drinking water needs of parched regions along the course of river Krishna during summer. We want permanent solution for annual drinking water crisis and in-principle have agreed the MoU proposal given by Maharashtra.

Pros and cons regarding the MoU have been discussed at the meeting. Technical committee will submit its report in about a months time as waters from our state have been allocated to different schemes. Needs of farmers too have to be considered. Maharashtra to share its waters has set condition of exchanging water. Earlier we used to pay, but its new policy adopted by the neighbouring state. Chief secretary will write to letter to Maharashtra today itself and MoU could be signed after the code of conduct was relaxed, he said.

Shivakumar said, himself had held talks on water sharing with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on the sidelines of a summit at Aurangabad in the presence of Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. Recently delegation led by Rajya Sabha Member Dr Prabhakar Kore met Fadnavis and myself too held talks over phone. Maharashtra wants 2 TMC feet water during Kharip and 2 TMC feet water during Rabbi season.

He denied to name the schemes from wherein Maharashtra has sought water. He said, both the states want to help each other and all possible steps will be taken.

Regarding detailed report for Mahadayi project not being prepared even after the Mahadayi River Dispute Tribunal gave its verdict, he said, we are awaiting notification from the centre. We will set the procession in motion after its notified.