Cauvery Water issue: Former Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa on Saturday said that the Cauvery issue is very particular and that they might start an agitation against the state releasing the water to the neibhouring state Tamil Nadu.
"The Cauvery issue is very particular. They are releasing the water even without the Supreme Court's decision... they've released the water for that we are agitating throughout the state, particularly in Mandya. We've called today 'Bandh' also. We may start agitation throughout the state, particularly in Bengaluru. There is no drinking water for Mysuru and Bengaluru that's why we are protesting," said Yediyurappa.
Amid continued protests in the state over the Cauvery dispute with neighbouring Tamil Nadu, the Karnataka government yesterday said it will take all necessary steps to protect the interest of the people of the state and its farmers, by ensuring water for both crops and drinking water.
The government which has been pitching Mekedatu balancing reservoir project as the solution to settle Cauvery river water dispute between both states, also indicated it will initiate process towards realising the project.
The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to interfere with orders of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) directing Karnataka to release 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu, following which protests erupted in different parts of the state.
Karnataka has been maintaining that it is not in a position to release water, taking into account its own requirement for drinking water and irrigation for standing crops in the Cauvery basin areas, as there has been water scarcity due to deficit monsoon rains.
"We have protected the interest of the farmers and people of the state and will continue to do so. Let those who want to do politics on the issue continue to do so," Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said.
With inputs from PTI
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