'Govt will protect state's interest on Kalasa-Banduri project'

Government would take all steps to ensure that justice is done to north Karnataka over the Kalasa-Banduri canal project, over which the state has locked horns with neighbouring Goa, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said here today.
"Nobody should have any doubts in this regard (about any injustice)," Siddarmaiah told the Legislative Assembly, as he assured members that government would present appropriate facts on the project before the visiting team of the tribunal.
The tribunal, constituted under the Inter-State Water Disputes Act 1956, is expected to give its final verdict by the end of 2015.
Water Resources Minister M B Patil said a delegation will be taken to New Delhi to press the state's case, if needed, since there will be concerted efforts by all stakeholders - Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.

Patil said the tribunal has directed the special team headed by former judge Justice Panchal to visit the basin areas in Goa, Karnataka and Maharastra to study the needs and requirements of the states.
The team will tour the area from December 12 to December 24, he added.

Opposition JDS Leader H D Kumaraswamy said government should get the required environmental and forest clearances for taking up Kalasa-Banduri dam as the central and state governments are ruled by the Congress.
BJP Floor leader and former Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar pressed for all party leaders' meeting to discuss the pros and cons of the issue. "The meeting should discuss ways and means to wage a legal battle so that the tribunal gives verdict in our favour," he said.

Rural Development and Panchayatraj Minister H K Patil said government would take necessary steps to put forth the points before tribunal.
The Kalasa-Banduri Nala (diversion) project, which will utilise 7.56 tmcft of water from the inter-State Mahadayi river, is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubli-Dharwad and the districts of Belgaum and Gadag.
It involves building barrages across Kalasa and Banduri, tributaries of Mahadayi river, to divert 7.56 TMC of water to the Malaprabha river which supplies the drinking water needs of the twin cities.