Water Resources Minister M.B. Patil has expressed disapproval over the verdict of the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal rejecting the interim petition for releasing 7.5 tmc ft. of water to Karnataka.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Wednesday, he said that the decision has acted as severe blow to the interest of Karnataka. “The government had great expectations and was hoping that the tribunal would understand the criticality of drinking water problem of North Karnataka districts, but our hopes have completely dashed”, he said.
Mr. Patil, however, said that the government was yet to receive the copy of the verdict which would clarify the reason behind the rejection of the petition. He said that the government would soon call for an all-party meeting and would also discuss the legal option with Fali Nariman, Counsel of the State.
“In the past also, in the cases of Karnataka’s water and land, we have taken decisions only after holding consultations with the Opposition. The government had filed the interim petition only after taking the consent of the Opposition”, he said.
