Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said, “We are thinking about whether Cauvery water should be released or not, we are going to appeal to the Supreme Court on Tuesday and then a decision will be taken.”
This is what he said while addressing the media at his Sadashivanagar residence on Monday night after the Cauvery Water Management Committee ordered that 5,000 cusecs of water should be released for 15 days.
We are ready to visit Delhi anytime. The MPs and Chief Ministers of the state have said that they will fix a date soon. The MPs of the state have said that they will leave all politics and help us. We have not watered much, we have watered less than usual in the last two months. The Cauvery Water Management Committee claims to release 5 thousand cusecs, but only 2 to 3 thousand cusecs reaches there. DCM Shivakumar said, “We have written twice to the Prime Minister’s office but have not received any response, we are waiting”.
In response to the question that former Prime Minister Deve Gowda had suggested a legal battle and a meeting between the two states while speaking in the Rajya Sabha, “His advice has meaning and respect” he said. We will listen to his suggestions. The Mekedatu project is the solution. We had to go to the Central Water Commission because the Supreme Court said that we will not interfere in technical matters.
When asked about Bommai tweeted saying that the water should not be released, should go to the Supreme Court, he said, “Yes, he is right. If the water is not released, the Supreme Court will ask questions. When we ask that those who do not obey the committee’s words have come here, our argument will fall.”
Bommai says that there is a Supreme Court. But how can the water sharing formula proceed without compromise? “The state must remain and ensure that the order is not violated. We are preparing for a legal fight in this regard,” said DCM Shivakumar.
“Legal experts have advised that filing an application in the Supreme Court without releasing the water would violate the order of the Cauvery Water Management Committee. We will think about resolving this issue,” he said.
We will argue strongly in the Supreme Court, request them to visit both the states and take stock of the situation and then give a verdict. I have also met Union Hydropower Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and explained the situation, even Tamil Nadu is trying to meet. We have convinced that the flow of water is reduced due to no-rainfall, causing problems for drinking water, he said.
Drinking water will not be affected, which is the first priority of the government, then the farmers’ crops will be irrigated. Farmers have also filed an application in court. For everything we have to wait and see, he said.
Notice for Ganeshotsava celebrations to avoid accidents
On the occasion of Ganeshotsava, there were electrical accidents during the procession, this time we have instructed to be careful. Strict orders have been issued to the police and concerned departments. It has been suggested that huge processions should not be allowed on the narrow road and permission should be given after taking care of the space.