D. K. Shivakumar Heads to Delhi for Talks on Pennar River Dispute
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Synopsis
Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar is set to visit Delhi to engage in discussions with Union Minister C. R. Patil about the Pennar River water dispute and the water flow from Kolar to Tamil Nadu, as directed by the Supreme Court.
Key Takeaways
- D. K. Shivakumar is heading to Delhi for discussions on the Pennar River water dispute.
- Concerns from Tamil Nadu regarding the proposed dam are viewed as unwarranted by Shivakumar.
- Dialogue is preferred over legal action to resolve the dispute.
- Shivakumar will also address issues with other departmental ministers.
- Preventive measures are emphasized following a tragic incident at a construction site.
Bengaluru, March 18 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar announced on Tuesday that he is traveling to Delhi to discuss the Pennar River water dispute and the matter of water flow from the Kolar region towards Tamil Nadu with the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C. R. Patil.
Prior to his departure, he remarked: "The Supreme Court has instructed both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to engage in discussions to resolve the Pennar River water dispute. However, we learned late Monday that representatives from Tamil Nadu would not be attending and would instead submit a separate appeal."
Shivakumar added, "The reality of this situation will be revealed once we arrive there. Nonetheless, I cannot decline the invitation, hence I will participate in the meeting and conduct discussions."
He further mentioned, "If time allows, I will also meet with ministers from other departments, such as the Forest Minister, to discuss relevant issues."
When questioned about the incident involving a collapsed electric pole at a construction site that resulted in fatalities, Shivakumar stated, "Preventative measures are crucial to avoid such tragedies at construction sites, and I have issued directives to that effect."
The dispute over the Pennar River is particularly contentious regarding the proposed dam on the Markendeya River, a tributary of the Pennar. According to Shivakumar, the concerns raised by Tamil Nadu are unfounded.
"The proposed dam will not impact Tamil Nadu in any manner. They are well aware of the water scarcity issue in the Kolar district of Karnataka," he asserted.
Shivakumar has previously stressed the significance of dialogue between the governments of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to settle the matter. "Pursuing the legal route would be a lengthy and costly process. Therefore, we are exploring resolution through dialogue," he stated.
He has also engaged in discussions regarding the issue with the Union Minister of State for Water Resources and Railways, V Somanna, who represents Karnataka.
