Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha M. Mallikarjuna Kharge on Saturday demanded intervention by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Kalasa-Banduri project issue to provide drinking water to North Karnataka region.
Speaking at the Mangaluru South Block Congress workers’ meet here, he said Mr. Modi should have taken a cue from former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi who intervened in a similar situation to get drinking water to Chennai city. He said Indira Gandhi had convened a meeting of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu to get the share of Krishna waters from the first three States to quench the thirst of Chennai. As a result, 15 tmc ft. water was made available to Chennai, he said.
Similarly, Mr. Modi should convene a meeting of Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka to sort out drinking water needs of North Karnataka. “Let the water dispute continue before the Tribunal; but the drinking water issue should be given priority,” he said.
