Bengaluru, Feb 15 (IANS) Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has asserted that Karnataka must receive 25 TMC of water under the Godavari-Krishna-Cauvery irrigation project. He pledged to fight for this cause alongside all political parties.
Speaking at a press conference at the J.P. Bhavan, the JD (S) state headquarters, he declared, “I have no hesitation in joining Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Congress MPs in this fight. When it comes to Karnataka’s interests, BJP, Congress, and JD(S) must set aside their differences and work together. I will not back away from such a united effort.”
He reaffirmed that the JD(S) is actively involved in irrigation matters and will fully cooperate with the state government in implementing river-linking and irrigation projects.
“Irrigation is not a political issue. It is unfair to make it one. In the past, Siddaramaiah visited my house to discuss irrigation matters. At that time, we were not even on talking terms. Yet, I stood by him. I hold no grudges. Politics must not interfere in irrigation issues. I have raised this issue in Parliament and appealed to the Prime Minister and Union Jal Shakti Minister to increase Karnataka’s share of water under the Godavari-Krishna-Cauvery project. I wrote to the Jal Shakti Minister in 2022 and 2024 regarding this. Currently, Karnataka has been allocated 15.891 TMC, but I am insisting that it be increased to 25 TMC. I have asked in Parliament how 15.91 TMC of water from the Godavari River will be diverted to the Ghataprabha River. How is this feasible? Where exactly will the Godavari water be linked to the Cauvery River? The project details are unclear, and Karnataka deserves accurate information. I will write to the Prime Minister regarding this,” he said.
When asked about Congress leaders’ accusations that BJP and JD(S) MPs are not raising irrigation issues for Karnataka, Deve Gowda responded: “Congress initiated several irrigation projects but failed to allocate funds for their implementation.
“Why should I debate that? My contributions to the judicious utilisation of Cauvery water are well-documented. My parliamentary efforts on irrigation issues are on record and open for verification. I have written to the Centre demanding approval for the Upper Bhadra Project. I have never been idle. I also fought for Mahadayi water. We demand 25 TMC of water for Karnataka. The Godavari-Krishna-Cauvery project must allocate 25 TMC to the state. This is a major objective, and politics has no place in it. Internal differences among us will only weaken the cause. We must fight together for Karnataka. Excess water is flowing into the sea from Tamil Nadu. I have never raised this issue. When I spoke in Parliament about water allocation, Tamil Nadu MPs did not object. We must put aside party differences and fight together for our rightful share. I am confident we will succeed,” Deve Gowda said.
“I have spoken in Parliament about the Godavari-Cauvery project. Tamil Nadu MPs vocally supported it. Karnataka has been fighting for its water rights since I was the Union Irrigation Minister. We have been wronged in the Cauvery water allocation, and I have brought this to PM Modi’s attention. Someone has assured us that Karnataka will receive water. If that happens, I will be happy. Water must reach water-scarce regions like Chitradurga and Tumakuru, regardless of the source,” he added.
“Karnataka must get justice in water allocation. That is my final wish. Before I pass away, I want to see the injustice done to the state in irrigation matters rectified. I may live for another four years, and during that time, I will fight to resolve this issue. I will bring everyone together for this battle. Karnataka has faced severe injustice in the Cauvery and Kalasa-Banduri projects, and now, the same is happening with the Godavari-Cauvery project. We must raise our voice. The Karnataka CM has written to the PM regarding Kalasa-Banduri, but since the case is in the Supreme Court, the PM cannot make a decision. Our legal team must fight and win in court. I fully support the state government’s efforts. We must all work together to correct this injustice,” he asserted.
When asked about the lack of Central funding for the Upper Bhadra Project, Deve Gowda responded: “The state government must first release its share of funds. It has announced multiple irrigation projects but has failed to allocate funds. Let them take the first step.”
–IANS
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