Call for Karnataka Bandh to Oppose Cauvery Water Release to Tamil Nadu
BENGALURU: Under the banner of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), various farmers and pro-Kannada organisations have called for Bengaluru city bandh on September 26 to oppose water release to Tamil Nadu by the State Government.
At a meeting held at Freedom Park in Bengaluru city on Saturday, leaders of various associations termed the orders of Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) asking Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu is ‘unscientific.’
State unit president of Aam Aadmi Party Mukhyamantri Chandru questioned the Congress led State Government over Mekedatu project and stated that Congress party came to power assuring construction of a balancing reservoir at Mekedatu and wanted to know from the State Government “What is the status of Mekedatu project after coming power?”
Chandru suggested the State Government convene Assembly session and pass a resolution not to release water to Tamil Nadu and wanted the State Government to be ready to face any eventuality including jail term over non-release of water to Tamil Nadu.
The AAP president observed that Bengaluru city needs water of about 1450 million litres per day while an individual needs about 150 litres a day. At present, he said, about 108 litres of water has been supplied.
He accused the BJP, Congress party and Janata Dal Secular when in power failed to find a permanent solution to River Cauvery water dispute and feared that Bengaluru city would be under severe water shortage in coming days after the State Government released water to Tamil Nadu.
State president of Sugarcane Growers Association Kuruburu Shanthakumar stated that drinking water assumed top priority but the State Government has been releasing water to Tamil Nadu despite the State is reeling under drought situation. Shanthakumar called upon people of Bengaluru city to join the bandh call on September 26 and express solidarity with them.
AAP vice-president Mohan Dasari said to start a signature campaign over water release and mount pressure on the State Government not to release water to Tamil Nadu.
