From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore

Bangalore, Jan 27: Karnataka’s Water Resources Minister M B Patil informed the Legislative Assembly on Monday that the Government will file an interim application before the Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal (MWDT) seeking allotment of 7.5 tmcft of water to meet drinking water needs of towns in north Karnataka.

In a reply to B R Yavagal of the Congress during the question hour, Patil said the application would be filed in a few days after consultations with legal and irrigation experts.

As per the Central Water Commission report 2003, he said the total yield available in the Mahadayi river basin at 50 per cent dependability was is 220 tmcft and at 75 per cent dependendability was 199.60 tmcft.

The allocation of the State’s share was to be settled before MWDT, he said.

Patil said the State had filed its statement of claims, replies and rejoinders before MWDT claiming its rightful share under equitable principle.

The state claimed for allocation of 24.15 tmcft to meet its consumptive use (total use will be about 31 tmcft) both within the basin and also diversion of Malaprabha river for drinking water supply to Hubli-Dharwad, Kundagol, and enroute villages and diversion from Mahadayi basin to Kali river basins for hydro power generation, the minister said.