Three CM's must show spirit of statesmanship on Mahadayi: Vijay Kulkarni
Several districts in Mumbai-Karnataka have witnessed a series of violent protests seeking Karnataka’s share of Mahadayi water. The verdict of Mahadayi tribunal rejecting the state’s interim application has aggravated the situation in the region. However, the lead taken by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to convene a meeting of his counterparts in Karnataka and Goa in Mumbai on October 21, has brought some hope among farmers.
The president of Kalasa Banduri Horata Samiti Vijay Kulkarni who hails from Nargund town, the land of farmer rebellions, has been in the forefront of the movement since the last two decades. He shared his views on resolving Mahadayi water dispute ahead of the meeting of three states.
Q&A Vijay Kulkarni, President, Kalasa Banduri Horata Samiti
How do you see the tribunal’s direction to hold talks over Mahadayi?
The Mahadayi agitators are running out of patience and their expectations of an early solution are diminishing as we are depending too much on the legal remedy. Several water tribunals have ruled against the interests of the State. Therefore, the direction of the tribunal is welcome and appropriate. The lead role taken by the Maharashtra Chief Minister has brought cheer to drought-hit farmers who are hoping for at least some temporary relief through the negotiated settlement. An early solution can be found only through talks if the Chief Ministers of the three states set aside party affiliations.
We have seen what happened in Cauvery talks. Do you think CMs will do justice to the talks?
It is quite natural for both Congress and BJP leaders to think of their political considerations ahead of Assembly elections in these States. But, this is the right time for both national parties to prove that they have a national policy with regard to resolving inter-state disputes without giving room for any confusion. I am hopeful that the Chief Ministers of three states will show a spirit of statesmanship instead of becoming mere politicians by taking pro-people decisions in the federal structure of the country.
The Goa Opposition leader has already said not a single drop of water be given to Karnataka. How do you react to this?
Such statements will jeopardise the talks among three states. The Opposition Congress in Goa should not take this as a prestigious issue merely keeping an eye on its votebank. Its party
leaders in Karnataka should approach AICC president Sonia Gandhi who had assured Goans that Congress will not allow diversion of waters of the Mahadayi. It is high time she intervened in the issue to convince Goa Congress leaders to ensure that the dialogue is on the right track.
The Karnataka Congress is harping on PM’s intervention without making any effort to persuade the Opposition Congress in Goa to safeguard Karnataka’s interests. Is it justifiable?
Congress leaders in the State are giving statements with prejudice to protect the image of the party as well as its high command. The state government should try to find alternative options to resolve the dispute instead of indulging in a blame-game at this juncture when the Maharashtra CM has taken some initiative for a dialogue. They should have some confidence in the talks to be held on October 21 instead of arriving at a conclusion based on preconceived ideas.
Do you think the Karnataka government has shown the same interest and commitment here as it did on Cauvery?
The Karnataka government has adopted a step-motherly attitude when it comes to according priority to Mahadayi water dispute. It has provided adequate compensation to the farmers in Cauvery river basin for loss of crop following scanty rainfall. It has also conducted a thorough study about crop loss by taking a delegation of media personnel and experts to highlight the ground reality. But, the government has not shown the same interest to assess drinking water scarcity and crop loss in four districts of the Mahaprabha river basin. The farmers here also deprived of compensation and government is just trying to silence them by offering several 'Bhagyas' to the poor.
The government has agreed to drop cases against farmers on the Cauvery issue. But it is not the case with Mahadayi. Why do you think so?
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is associated with Old Mysuru region. Moreover, the region is a stronghold of the Congress which is under pressure to support the movement and drop cases against farmers. But, All MPs in four districts of Malaprabha river basin belong to BJP which had laid the foundation stone for Kalasa Banduri project and earmarked funds for this purpose. Therefore, the government is continuing to dither over the issue of withdrawing cases against Mahadayi agitators.
Can you give us realistic data about the need for water? How much water is required for drinking and irrigation?
Initially, the project was aimed at providing drinking water to Nargund, Navalgund and Ron taluks which are prone to drought every year. Now, it has been extended to meet drinking water and irrigation needs of 5 lakh acres in 13 taluks. The storage capacity of Malaprabha reservoir is 37.7 tmcft out of which 7 tmc is dead storage. The project to divert Mahadayi river to the dam aims to utilise 26 tmc for irrigation and more than 4 tmc for drinking water purposes.
Is the state government well-equipped to convince Goa about the need for water during the talks in Mumbai?
The all-party meeting to be held on October 19 must adopt a common stand by showing unity and coming out with all details regarding acute shortage of water in Malaprabha basin. The government should raise its voice for 7.56 tmcft water for drinking water requirements during the meeting. It has to gather all facts and figures and present the ground realities including recurring drought situation ahead of the dialogue with the Chief Ministers of Goa and Maharashtra. There is a chance of the dialogue failing if the government seeks Mahadayi water for irrigation at this juncture.
