Mahadayi: Karna ass'ly passes resolution for PM's intervention

Karnataka assembly today adopted a resolution seeking Prime MinisterNarendra Modi's intervention to solve the inter-state Mahadayiwater dispute, an issue on which state has locked horns withneighbouring Goa.
The resolution moved by Water Resources Minister M B Patil requested the Prime Minister to intervene by calling a meeting of Chief Ministers ofthe riparian states keeping in mindcontinuing protests in Karnataka and for the sake of healthy relationship between the neighbouring states.
It said "Prime Minister should intervene and invite Chief Ministers of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka to find a solution to the dispute that will facilitate Karnataka to divert water from Mahadayi basin to Malaprabha, as planned."

Patil said he was moving this resolution following the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal's suggestion made on September 1 asking the concerned states to resolve the water dispute amicably by holding discussions with or without third party mediation.
Karnataka government, which has locked horns with the neighbouring Goa on the larger issue of sharing Mahadayi River water between both the states, had earlier petitioned thetribunal seeking the release of 7.56 tmcft of water for theKalasa-Banduri Nala project, but it was rejected in an interimorder on July 27.
The Kalasa-Banduri project is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.

Karnataka has for long been advocating an out of court settlement of the issue.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had even led an all-party delegation to Prime Minister seeking his intervention.
A meeting called by Maharashtra Chief Minister withhis Goa and Karnataka counterparts on October 21 followingthe tribunal's suggestion could not take place as Goa CM had expressed his inability to participate.
Earlier in the day, assembly witnessed chaos, war ofwards and dharna, as all the political parties stuck to their respective stand onthe issue.
While the Congress government demanded Prime Minister's intervention to solve the issue, BJP argued that the ruling party should convince their partymen who are in the opposition inGoa.

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As over 11 hours-long discussion did not result in any unanimity on finding a solution to the issue, JD(S) members entered the well of the house.
They demanded that the House give a solution toprotesting farmers and people of the region who are anxiouslywaiting for the outcome of the discussion.
Intervening, Siddaramaiah demanded Prime Minister's intervention for out of court settlement of the issue and also promised to continue the legal battle.
He said "Mahadayi tribunal has asked the states to resolve the issue out of court through negotiations, with or without third party intervention, the tribunal had never given such option in the past."

"If we honestly want to find a solution to the issue, Prime Minister who often speaks about cooperative federalism should show his sincerity in resolving the issue by calling the meeting of Chief Ministers of three riparian states.Ifthis happens the dispute can be settled 100 per cent," headded.
Siddaramaiah also said that he was ready to write to Prime Minister once again and seek his time, while complaining that his letters in the past did not get any response.
Hitting back at BJP's suggestion that the Congress convince its party men in Goa who are in the opposition, he said "Has such thing happened in the history. You are not ready to convince Prime Minister or talk to him. You should beashamed."

Accusing Siddaramaiah of playing politics, Opposition Leader Jagdish Shettar said the Chief Minister and his colleagues don't have guts to convince Congress in Goa.