Nationalise rivers to meet water needs, says Karnataka official

“Nationalisation of rivers is the only solution to meet the increasing demand for water. While the Ganga and the Brahmaputra rivers cater to nearly 65 per cent of the needs, other rivers like the Krishna and the  Cauvery contribute for the remaining,” said Sriramaiah, advisor, Department of Water Resources Development. He was speaking at a seminar on Nationalisation of rivers, National Water Policy: Its impact on Karnataka, oraganised by Kannada Geleyara Balaga on Monday.

Pointing out that dry lands in the state would get water if all the rivers in the country were nationalised, Sriramaiah added, “As per the International Water Policy, no one can claim ownership of water, even if the water originates from one’s own state. With the nationalisation of rivers, irrigation in the state will improve, as the share of water will be decided by a committee headed by the Supreme Court Judge as its chairman.”

R Hrishikesh, retired chief engineer, Department of Water Resources said,  “Karnataka will get a share of 283 TMC of water, if all the rivers in the country are inter-linked. But, the Central government is showing step-motherly treatment to the state. It is now in the process of allotting only 13.5 TMC of water.” Dr Chidananda Murthy said, “For the only reason that Tipu Sultan waged a tough war against Britishers, they released more water from Cauvery River to Tamil Nadu.” He lamented that the same procedure was now being followed.