BENGALURU: Union water resources minister Gajendra Shekhawat on Tuesday said the Centre will render justice to Karnataka in irrigation projects, including the controversial Mekedatu.
After a meeting with CM BS Yediyurappa and his cabinet colleagues here to review the progress of Jal Jeevan Mission that seeks to provide piped water supply to all households, Shekhawat said he would soon convene a meeting in Delhi to discuss issues relating to Karnataka’s irrigation projects. “After studying the issues, the Centre will take a suitable decision and render justice to Karnataka,” he said.
His assurance holds significance as it came a day after Tamil Nadu passed a resolution opposing implementation of the Mekedatu project, which has been planned to address drinking water needs of Bengaluru and ensure effective management of water during distress years.
We requested Centre to clear Kalasa-Banduri project: CM
About the Tamil Nadu government’s resolution, Shekhawat said: “Let them (TN) take any decision. The Centre will do its duty as per the law. We will take a call on the Mekedatu project after hearing from both states. And the Supreme Court has to give its judgment.”
Yediyurappa said the Union minister assured Karnataka that pending clearances for state’s irrigation projects will soon come through. “We urged the minister to publish the final verdict of Krishna river water tribunal in the gazette and provide clearance to Kalasa-Banduri project. The minister responded to our requests positively,” the chief minister said.
“I don’t want to discuss Tamil Nadu or any other state (regarding water-sharing disputes). We have every right (to plan the project) and we are going to start work on it,” Yediyurappa said with reference to Tamil Nadu’s objection to the Mekedatu project.
Yediyurappa said 25 lakh tap connections will be provided this year under Jal Jeevan Mission. “The recent four-fold increase in the Centre’s grants will help the state achieve the target in time,” he added. Shekhawat said Karnataka’s performance in Jal Jeevan implementation has been praiseworthy.
