Speaking about the measures being taken to address long-term water security in the state, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said that Karnataka has conveyed its consent to the Centre's proposal to link the Krishna, Cauvery and Godavari rivers.
Addressing reporters, he stated: "The Central government proposes to implement the river-linking project as a National Project with an estimated cost of Rs 1 lakh crore. Under the proposed funding pattern, the Centre will bear 90 per cent of the cost, while the state government will contribute the remaining 10 per cent."
Recalling the breach of a gate at the Tungabhadra reservoir last year, he said the government had restored the situation within a week and subsequently replaced all 33 reservoir gates. "Our priority is to protect farmers. Due to heavy silt accumulation in the Tungabhadra reservoir, the state is losing nearly 33 TMC of water storage capacity.
To find a permanent solution, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have, for the first time, reached a consensus under the leadership of Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil," he said. He said a technical committee constituted by the Central government would study the issue and submit its report, based on which further decisions would be taken.
"In the meantime, priority has been given to constructing a balancing reservoir to improve water management," he added. Responding to a question on whether the Mahadayi river water dispute could be resolved through a consensus among Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra, similar to the approach adopted for the Tungabhadra issue, Shivakumar said:
"I have met Union Minister Pralhad Joshi and the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change five times regarding the Mahadayi issue. However, we are yet to receive a response from them. BJP leaders celebrated before the elections claiming the issue had been resolved, but my efforts to secure a solution are continuing."
When asked about reports that the Maharashtra government had convened a meeting on the border issue, Shivakumar said Kannada organisations had submitted representations to the Karnataka government. "I have discussed the matter with our leaders. We are firmly committed to protecting Karnataka's territorial interests.
We will obtain a comprehensive report before making any decision, and all stakeholders will be kept in confidence. Just because Maharashtra has held a meeting does not mean the issue is settled. We will also take into account the legal aspects pending before the court. Karnataka's interests will be fully protected," he said.