Krishnagiri: The initiative of Karnataka to save its lakes after the intervention of the national green tribunal (NGT) has worried farmers benefitting from the water that flows in south Pennar river. In April this year, the NGT ordered the state to close as many as 480 industries in a radius of around 5 km from the lakes.
The order was given after industries were found to be polluting agents. Following the NGT order, Karnataka was forced to undertake measures to save Bellandur and Varthur lakes. It is believed that Karnataka received a few proposals from companies like AG Dauters-Germany, Bluewater bio-Britan and Tahal group of Israel. AG Dauters is ready to invest Rs 40,000 crore for the project due to the potential in generating 5,000 mw of electricity, 20 crores liters of diesel and other fuels and 25 crores liters of treated potable water. But Karnataka must buy power, water and fuel through which the company can get back its investment.
According to Krishnagiri farmers, if accepted, the proposal will benefit Kolar district in the upper riparian state, affecting the livelihood of farmers along the course of the south Pennar in Tamil Nadu.
The company will convert sewer water into safe drinking water to meet the requirement of Kolar district and other places where drinking water scarcity is felt. This will stop inflow into the river on the Tamil Nadu side. Farmers ask Karnataka to save its lakes without affecting the livelihood of farmers in the lower riparian state.
