Talks with the Goa government for an amicable settlement to the Mahadayi river water dispute are expected to get going next month as a coordinated effort of the ruling and the Opposition parties of Karnataka.
The Congress, BJP and JD(S) are keen to settle the dispute with Goa and Maharashtra governments. The Karnataka government has decided to hold talks with the Manohar Parrikar government after a BJP delegation led by B.S. Yeddyurappa convinces Goa on the need for an out-of-court settlement, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said.
The delegation will meet Mr. Parrikar after the byelections to two Legislative Assembly constituencies in Goa on August 23. Mr. Yeddyurappa said that he will seek 7.5 tmcft of drinking water for Karnataka. He added that he was also in touch with the Maharashtra Chief Minister.
Mr. Siddaramaiah said he too would discuss the issue with Congress leaders in Goa and explain the benefits of the out-of-court settlement. An all-party meeting chaired by Mr. Siddaramaiah to resolve the dispute also proposed to seek the Prime Minister’s intervention.
Goa’s Chief Secretary has written to his counterpart in Karnataka stating that talks on the issue would not be possible till August end.
