Cauvery row: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah calls all-party meet

Bengaluru: The government in Karnataka is expected to decide on Wednesday its next course of action on the issue of sharing Cauvery river water following the Supreme Court`s order to it release more water to Tamil Nadu.

“We will decide our next course of action at the council of ministers meeting on Wednesday in consultation with water technical experts and our legal team,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had told reporters late last night.

The Karnataka CM has also convened an all-party meeting today to discuss the pros and cons of the apex court order on the Cauvery issue.

Asserting that the state was not in a position to implement the apex court order as the water in the Cauvery reservoirs was just enough for drinking purpose till next June, Siddaramaiah said in such a situation it was very difficult to share it as drinking water was a national priority.

“Since we do not have water, it is very difficult to implement the apex court order. It is an unimplementable order,” reiterated Siddaramaiah.

“I have also convened an all-party meeting of the floor leaders of both the houses of the state legislature on Wednesday evening to discuss the apex court order and finalise a joint strategy to protest the interests of the state,” Siddaramaiah said.

All members of Parliament from the state, including Union Ministers, and state ministers concerned will participate in the meeting to discuss the issue and arrive at a consensus on how to face the situation arising out of the top court order.

A division bench of the apex court ordered the state to release 6,000 cusecs per day from Wednesday for a week till September 27, doubling the quantum fixed by its appointed Cauvery Supervisory Committee on Monday for 10 days till September 30.

The top court’s fresh directive comes into force a day after the state completed releasing 12,000 cusecs daily on Tuesday as per the court`s September 12 order, modifying its September 5 order to release 15,000 cusecs daily for 10 days from September 7.

The apex court`s Tuesdays order will be placed at both meetings along with the state`s representation to the supervisory committee meeting and the petitions it filed before thecourt pleading its inability to release any more water for irrigation in the neighbouring state.

The Chief Minister also appealed to the people to remain calm and maintain peace in the hour of distress as the state was going through a difficult period due to deficit monsoon rains.

“I appeal to the people, especially those in the Cauvery basin areas to maintain peace and not get carried away by emotions. We are committed to protect the interest of the state, its people and its farmers. Everyone should cooperate,” added Siddaramaiah.

Meanwhile, the farmers continue to protest against the apex court ruling on the Cauvery water sharing issue, which prompted the authorities to tighten the security cover in and around sensitive cities including Bengaluru, Mysore, Mandya etc.

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Source:Zeenews

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