Kalasa Banduri Nala: Non-forest area work to be ready in June '14

Karnataka minister for water resources M B Patil has promised farmers and members of organisations who have launched an agitation for the speedy completion of works on the Kalasa-Banduri nala project that all efforts are being made to get justice to Karnataka from the water tribunal.

The tribunal constituted under section 5(2) of the Inter State Water Disputes Act 1956 which is expected to give its final verdict by the end of 2015, he added.

The government will take all political parties and organisations concerned into confidence and work towards getting justice for Karnataka and safeguard the state's interest, he said.

Interacting with farmers associations, elected representatives and representatives of other organisations at a meeting organised at the DC's office here today, he said, following objections raised by Goa and Maharashtra was before the tribunal. Besides dealing with the case within the legal framework, there will be concerted efforts by all stakeholders and a delegation will be taken to New Delhi if need be, Patil explained.

Leader of the Kalasa Banduri Nala Horata Samiti Vijay Kulkarni suggested that there was no need to constitute a tribunal when the project was aimed at providing drinking water.

He said, Karnataka should stress on this point before the tribunal.

Supreme Court advocate Mohan Kataraki, who replied to the queries raised by the farmers, explained the background of the project work and the legal position. He said, the tribunal has directed the special team headed by former judge Justice Panchal to visit the basin areas in Goa, Karnataka and Maharastra to appreciate the needs and requirements of the states. The team will tour the area from December 12 to December 24.

Minister M B Patil said, as per the undertaking given to the Supreme Court, Karnataka had taken up the work to divert flood waters to Malaprabha in the non-forest area near Kalasa to get 1.5 tmc of water. The work, which is in progress on 5.15 square km area will be completed by June 2014, he explained.

About the development of Benne Halla stream, which has been causing havoc due to floods during monsoon, Patil said, a proposal would be sent to the Central government to clear up the stream's course to prevent damage caused due to flooding. Private consultancy is preparing a proposal as per the guidelines of the Central Water Commission, he said.