The claim by policeman-turned-BJP politician Girish Mattannavar that he had, with his supporters, breached the embankment across the Kalasa Nala (part of the disputed Mahadayi project) in the border taluk of Khanapur created tension for a while in Belagavi district. The district administration and the police, however, later confirmed that no harm had been done to the embankment.
As the news spread, through a video released by the supporters of Mr. Mattannavar, tension built up at Kankumbi and between Karnataka–Goa boundary close by, even as additional police personnel were rushed to the spot as a precautionary measure.
Warned of action
Superintendent of Police B.R. Ravikanthe Gowda said the claims of breach were “false” and action would be initiated against those who spread the false news and made the claim.
Meanwhile, Khanapur police have registered a criminal case against Mr. Mattannavar and others under sections 143, 147, 153, 188, 505 of the IPC, according to Mr. Gowda.
Officials said the timing of the claim was “mischievous”, when the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) was hearing the dispute between Goa and Karnataka. The Office of the Executive Engineer, Kalasa Division, Khanapur, will submit a report to the police about this.
Minister for Water Resources M.B. Patil warned that any attempt at sabotage would only have adverse consequences on the prospects Karnataka’s case before the MWDT.
“Even if some damage has been done to the wall, the government will immediately restore it so that the case of Karnataka is not harmed,” he said. “It is unfortunate that rumours are being spread by some BJP workers,” he said.
Built two years ago
The embankment was constructed across the nala near the Karnataka–Goa boundary to prevent floodwater flowing from Goa into Karnataka about two years ago. There is a dispute between the two riparian States over bringing Mahadayi waters to the northern districts of Karnataka through Kalasa-Banduri nalas.
The farmers in the region have been consistently demanding water through the nala and their agitation has crossed 300 days.
Any effort at sabotage or spreading rumours of sabotage will adversely affect Karnataka’s case before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal.
M.B. Patil,Minister for Water Resources
