Karnataka hits out at AP on water utilisation

Karnataka on Tuesday dismissed Andhra Pradesh (AP) allegations that it was creating hurdles for its irrigation projects in the Krishna river valley as "far from truth" and maintained that it was the neighbouring state that was raking up disputes by executing "illegal" projects.

"Had AP confined its projects to utilise allocated water under Bachchawat Tribunal award, no dispute would have arisen," Karnataka water resources minister M Mallikarjun Kharge said here, reacting to AP CM Y S Rajashekhara Reddy's statement on the issue.

"A dispassionate and an impartial view of the projects executed by Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh is suffice to conclude who has violated the tribunal award," Kharge said.

Taking advantage of the political situation and using political clout it enjoyed at the Centre, Andhra Pradesh executed illegal irrigation projects under the garb of implementing drinking water supply projects and strengthening of canals, he alleged.

"When Karnataka is yet to use its share of water, the question of encroaching on surplus water does not arise at all," Kharge said and ruled out the state entering into talks with Andhra Pradesh to resolve the water sharing tangle.

Rejecting Andhra Pradesh claims that Karnataka will utilise more water for the power generation project proposed at Rajouri Banda Nala, he said the water used for power generation will flow back into the neighbouring state.

Kharge urged the AP leader to "apply caution" while making statements on the issue. He took exception to the central water commission staying the Kalasa Bandori Nala Project, after clearing it.