Intro: Minister said the government would act based on the assessment of water resources and the recommendations of technical experts.
Belagavi
Karnataka Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said the final decision on releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu would be taken by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, following the directions of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
Speaking to reporters at the Congress Bhavan in Belagavi, the minister said Karnataka was bound to comply with the decisions of the Cauvery Water Management Authority, even though the state was facing reduced inflows due to deficient rainfall.
“The Cauvery Water Management Authority has directed Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu. We have constituted the authority and are bound by its decisions. Drinking water requirements will be given priority, and thereafter water has to be released as per the authority’s directions. However, the final decision will be taken by the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister,” he said.
Yathindra Siddaramaiah stated that the issue was not merely a legal matter but depended on the availability of water in the river.
Responding to questions on the AHINDA leaders’ meeting held in Belagavi, Yathindra Siddaramaiah said he would participate in the meeting and asserted that former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah continued to lead the AHINDA movement.
He said the movement would continue in the future and that any leader working for the welfare of backward classes, minorities and Dalits could emerge as its leader.
Refuting speculation of differences between Siddaramaiah and Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, he said there was no misunderstanding between the two leaders and dismissed social media rumours.
On the proposed cabinet expansion, the minister said the Congress high command would ensure representation for all communities and would decide ministerial appointments by considering both experienced and new legislators.
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“Our hands are tied in this matter because we have to follow the decisions of the Cauvery authority. Water release should be based on the actual water situation and expert advice,” he added.
- Yathindra Siddaramaiah, Urban Development Minister