Deve Gowda Demands 25 TMC Water Allocation for Karnataka

Bengaluru, Feb 15 (NationPress) Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda has stated that Karnataka must be allocated 25 TMC of water as part of the Godavari-Krishna-Cauvery irrigation initiative. He has committed to advocate for this alongside all political factions.

While addressing a press conference at the J.P. Bhavan, the state headquarters of JD(S), he proclaimed, "I am ready to collaborate with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and Congress MPs in this mission. When it comes to the welfare of Karnataka, BJP, Congress, and JD(S) should set aside their differences and unite. I will not shy away from a collective approach."

He emphasized that the JD(S) is actively engaged in irrigation issues and will fully support the state government in executing river-linking and irrigation projects.

"Irrigation should not be politicized. It is unjust to treat it as such. Previously, Siddaramaiah visited my residence to discuss irrigation issues, even when we weren't on speaking terms. Yet, I supported him. I harbor no resentment. Politics should not intrude in irrigation discussions. I have raised this matter in Parliament and appealed to the Prime Minister and the Union Jal Shakti Minister to augment Karnataka's water share under the Godavari-Krishna-Cauvery project. I reached out to the Jal Shakti Minister in 2022 and 2024 regarding this. Presently, Karnataka is allocated 15.891 TMC, but I am advocating for an increase to 25 TMC. I questioned in Parliament how 15.91 TMC of water from the Godavari River will be redirected to the Ghataprabha River. How is this practical? Where precisely will the Godavari water connect with the Cauvery River? The project specifics remain unclear, and Karnataka deserves proper information. I will reach out to the Prime Minister about this," he remarked.

In response to inquiries about Congress leaders’ claims that BJP and JD(S) MPs are neglecting irrigation issues for Karnataka, Deve Gowda countered: "Congress initiated numerous irrigation projects but failed to allocate the necessary funds for their execution.

“Why should I engage in that debate? My contributions towards the prudent use of Cauvery water are well-recorded. My parliamentary endeavors on irrigation matters are documented and can be verified. I have written to the Centre requesting approval for the Upper Bhadra Project. I have never been idle. I also advocated for Mahadayi water. We demand 25 TMC of water for Karnataka. The Godavari-Krishna-Cauvery project must allocate 25 TMC to our state. This is a significant goal, and politics has no role in it. Internal conflicts among us will only undermine our efforts. We must unite for Karnataka. Excess water is flowing into the ocean from Tamil Nadu. I have never raised this issue. When I spoke in Parliament about water allocation, Tamil Nadu MPs did not contest it. We must set aside party divisions and jointly advocate for our rightful share. I am confident we will prevail," Deve Gowda stated.

"I have addressed the Godavari-Cauvery project in Parliament. Tamil Nadu MPs strongly supported it. Karnataka has been asserting its water rights since my tenure as Union Irrigation Minister. We have been wronged in the Cauvery water distribution, and I have highlighted this to PM Modi. Someone has given us an assurance that Karnataka will receive water. If that occurs, I will be pleased. Water must reach regions with water scarcity like Chitradurga and Tumakuru, irrespective of the source," he added.

"Karnataka deserves justice in water distribution. That is my ultimate wish. Before I pass away, I want to witness the rectification of the injustice faced by the state in irrigation matters. I may have four more years to live, and during this time, I will strive to address this issue. I will unite everyone for this fight. Karnataka has endured significant injustice in the Cauvery and Kalasa-Banduri projects, and now, the same is occurring with the Godavari-Cauvery project. We must raise our voices. The Karnataka CM has written to the PM about Kalasa-Banduri, but since the matter is in the Supreme Court, the PM is unable to decide. Our legal team must advocate and succeed in court. I fully endorse the state government’s initiatives. We must all collaborate to amend this injustice," he asserted.

Regarding the lack of Central funding for the Upper Bhadra Project, Deve Gowda replied: "The state government needs to first allocate its share of funds. It has announced numerous irrigation projects but has not provided the funds. They should take the first step."