From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru. Mar 5: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has advocated complete overhaul of the Inter-State Water Disputes Act.
In his address at the Southern States' Conclave of the 'Jal Jeevan Mission' and Swachh Bharath Mission (Rural) Projects held on Saturday, Bommai said the Act should be amended to overcome the narrow political considerations over water disputes and making more water available for the people.
Equitable River Basin Management is the only solution for this, he said pointing out that water needed for sustainable life.
“It is the duty of the government to provide water for the people. We should work with consensus when dealing with issues of water. Our Prime Minister is of the view that sustainable livelihood could be ensured with supply of water and we should work together to make it a reality,’’ Bommai said.
Prevent misuse of water
The Chief Minister stressed the need for efficient use of water in irrigation.
There is huge misutilisation of water in irrigation water channels. At the national level, only 46% of the capacity is being utilised through these canals. There is a difference of 55% in carrying capacity of the canals. More water could be made available if these canals are upgraded, he said.
Watershed projects
Water is being allowed to go waste to the sea due to lack of proper watershed projects. But we have forgotten the Science of nature.
“Sea water could evaporate and form rain only if about 30% of sweet water flows into the sea to enable 60% saline water to evaporate. This simple truth should be considered while making our plans,’’ Bommai said.
He said: “We are facing environmental challenges. The perennial rivers are turning into seasonal rivers. Rivers are drying up even before reaching the sea.’’
Jal Jeevan mission
The State Government strives for continuous efforts for time bound implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission projects in Karnataka.
Of the 97.91 lakh rural households, tapped water has to be provided for 25 lakh households in the initial phase. The achievement has been about 18 lakh. The target of 25 lakh would be met within next few months. More funds have been provided in the next budget for implementing the project.
"I am personally overseeing the project and it would be completed in time," Bommai said.
Re-look needed at Water Management
Rural and urban areas lack proper water supply systems. There is a need for a re-look at Water Management.
"Our Prime Minister is the first Prime Minister who has resolved to solve this problem. He has taken it up as a Mission, not as a project. We need to work on war footing to accomplish this mission," Bommai said.
Water Resources belong to the State and we have to work with consensus to make good use of it. Water is a global and local problem.
“We have to resolve the problems locally. Being a developing country, we have multiple strata in the society. We have to formulate our projects with integrated approach," Bommai said.
He felt everybody has emotional connect with water and coordination among various stakeholders is essential for utilisation of our water resources.
Felicitation to BS Yediyurappa
The Chief Minister later visited Shikaripura in Shivamogga district to participate in a felicitation programme, ‘Raithabhimana Abhinandana’, to honour his predecessor BS Yediyurappa on his birthday.
Apart from Yediyurappa, ministers KS Eshwarappa and Araga Jnanendra, both of whom hail from Shivamogga district, Minister BC Patil, Govind M Karrjol, Shivamogga BJP MP BY Raghavendra, MP Shivakumar Udasi, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary MP Renukacharya, MLAs Hartalu Halappa, Ashok Naik, Rudregowda, DS Arun, Bharati Shetty and others participated in the function.