Gauging Unit For Cauvery Flow At Biligondlu

Speaking to reporters on his return here from New Delhi, where he had talks with his Tamil Nadu counterpart M Karunanidhi on the Cauvery water sharing dispute, Patel said both states had agreed to set up a gauging centre and the Central Water Commission (CWC) will monitor the flow. Patel and Karunanidhi have met three times so far since August in their effort to resolve amicably the century-old Cauvery river water sharing tangle between the two states .

Patel said both the chief ministers will meet for the fourth round of negotiations at Madras by this month end. The Chief Minister said it was agreed by both states not to expand irrigated areas.

 

Patel however said Karnataka will complete the on-going irrigation projects in Harangi and Hemvathi reservoir area.

Patel said Tamil Nadu was convinced that the raising of three crops by farmers of Tamil Nadu and excessive use of water had posed problems to farming community in both states.

It was decided that both the governments should fix cropping pattern and inform farmers accordingly to ensure optimum utilisation of available waters.

Patel said both chief ministers agreed to protect the interest of farmers in their respective states.

Patel said Karunanidhi and he met Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda after their talks, but did not discuss the Cauvery issue with him, concentrating on the current political situation instead.