Underlining the urgent need for the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in resolving interstate river water disputes, former Supreme Court judge V. Gopalagowda said campaigns such as Digital India will not help make agriculture products, and it is water that is needed first.
Speaking at the inauguration of the national water convention ‘Drought Free India’ on Wednesday, he said that with the Centre leaving the sensitive matter of water sharing to judiciary, the matter was being dragged for years. He said the Centre cannot leave such critical issues only on the judiciary by constituting a tribunal and believing that its job is over.
“Water is so essential for agriculture and drinking, The Union government has greater responsibility in addressing these critical issues. Mr. Modi must take responsibility of calling a meeting of Chief Ministers and Water Resources Ministers of disputing States and find a solution,” Mr. Gopalagowda said.
Mr. Gopalagowda said in a situation when over 70% farmers were dependent on rainwater for agriculture, more emphasis should be given to provide irrigation facility than Digital India.
Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister H.K. Patil called the flowing of over 200 tmcft Mahadayi waters into the ocean as ‘criminal waste’. He said the water could be used by Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra for providing irrigation facility.
Mr. Patil opined that experts attending the convention should exert pressure on the tribunal to resolve the Mahadayi dispute quickly to help the three States make use of the river water.
