Allaying fears of political parties in the State over the Karnataka government’s proposal to construct a dam across the Cauvery at Mekedatu, Union Minister of State for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping, Pon. Radhakrishnan, said that the dam could not be constructed without the Union government’s permission.
Addressing the media here on Saturday, Mr. Radhkarishnan said that the Karnataka could allocate crores of rupees for the construction of the reservoir. However, it cannot construct the dam unless the Union government gives permission.
Stating that the BJP would not let down Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water issue, Mr. Radhkarishnan, however, said, “When we raise a hue and cry over the proposed dam, we should apply our mind to the fact that we can save up the 2,500 tmcft of water going waste into the sea.” He wanted the State government to take effective steps to prevent wastage of water.
The NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, secured the release of over 645 fishermen from Sri Lanka and 131 from the prisons of various countries.
