K'taka sounds tough on Hogenakkal project

"Interests of the people of Karnataka is very important to me and every attempt will be made to safeguard the interests of state," he said at a press conference here when asked about Tamil Nadu's drinking water project, which he opposed in the run up to the polls.  

Noting he had already discussed the issue with irrigation and legal experts, Yeddyurappa said an all party leaders meeting would be convened soon after the vote of confidence this week to discuss the issue.  

 

The Chief Minister said that protection of land, water resources, borders, language and culture of Karnataka was of utmost importance and "there is no scope for compromise in this regard".  

Asked whether he would meet Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi on the issue, he said he would like to meet everybody. He said that there was a need for Centre and the Chief Ministers of both states to sit across the table and discuss the issue.  
Yeddyurappa visited Hogenakkal located on Tamil Nadu side of the border on March 16 and protested over the project's implementation. The Rs 1,334 crore project, aimed at providing drinking water to water-starved districts of Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri bordering Karnataka, was put on hold by Karunanidhi in April after violence broke out in both the states.