TN causing 'unnecessary nuisance' over Cauvery river water sharing issue: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday hit out at the BJP-led government at the Centre, alleging delay in giving approval to the construction of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir over river Cauvery, and accused neighbouring Tamil Nadu of causing «unnecessary nuisance» on the issue. Karnataka has been pressing for the implementation of the Mekedatu project, saying it is the only solution for the Cauvery water dispute between the two states during times of rainfall distress.
«The BJP government at the Centre has not given permission for the Mekedatu project.
Tamil Nadu has no reasons to oppose the project. It is in our territory, 177.25 TMC water has been allocated to Tamil Nadu and we have to release that much water to them in the normal years.
And during distress time, the distress formula should be followed,» Siddaramaiah said.
Speaking to reporters here, he accused Tamil Nadu of unnecessarily creating nuisance regarding the Mekedatu project, and said that despite Karnataka submitting a DPR (Detailed Project Report), permission is not being given.
«They (Centre) have to tell the Cauvery Water Management Authority (to grant permissions), as it comes under the Government of India, but they are not doing it,» he said, adding that BJP state leaders at the all party meeting said they would not do politics on the issue but they «come here and do politics».
The chief minister was responding to a question on BJP's criticism of his government for releasing Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu, despite the river basin region in the state facing the threat of water scarcity due to deficit rainfall. Pointing out that Karnataka was not releasing water to Tamil Nadu with joy but because of the CWMA order, Siddaramaiah said the
