Nitin Gadkari rules out talks on Mahadayi water dispute?

Hubballi: Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari has ruled out the possibility of finding an amicable solution to the Mahadayi water dispute through dialogue, and has instead promised to appeal to the tribunal to give its final verdict within a month, according to farmer leaders, who are in Delhi to meet PM Modi to demand an early solution to the water dispute.

While its uncertain whether the 23 farmer leaders in Delhi will be able to meet Mr Modi, they were able to present their case to Mr Gadkari, who categorically ruled out any chance of finding a solution through  dialogue when the Mahadayi tribunal had reserved its final order on the dispute. He reportedly promised them all help for early implementation of Kalasa Banduri project after the tribunal gave its order. 

“We are in Delhi to pressure the Centre to ensure that the tribunal gives its order before July 21 when people in Nargund and Navalgund will observe a Farmer Martyrs Day to mark the 38th anniversary of the death of two farmers in police firing while protesting against the betterment levy. Gadkari has promised to do all he can. We are satisfied with his assurance for the present,” said farmer leader, Shankar Ambali, adding that although the farmers could file an appeal in the SC on the issue, it was not the right time as the term of the tribunal ended in August.