Amend Interstate Water Disputes Act on priority: CM Bommai

NT Correspondent

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has stressed the need for an amendment to the Interstate Water Disputes Act.

Addressing the Southern States’ Conclave of the Jal Jeevan Mission and Swachh Bharat Mission (Rural) Projects here on Saturday, he said the amendment was required to overcome the narrow political considerations over water disputes and making more water available for all people. River Basin Management has been the only solution for this issue, he said.

Bommai said it was the duty of the government to provide water for its people. It would work with consensus when dealing with issues of water. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was of the view that sustainable livelihood could be ensured with the supply of sufficient water, and they should work together to make this a reality.

Prevent misuse of water
He advocated the need for efficient use of water in irrigation. There was a huge mis-utilisation of water in irrigation water channels. At the national level only 46 per cent of the capacity is being utilised through these canals. There is a difference of 55 per cent in the carrying capacity of canals. More water could be made available if these canals are upgraded. There is a view that water is being allowed to go waste to the sea due to the lack of proper watershed projects. But they have forgotten the science of nature. Seawater can vaporise and form rain only if about 30 per cent of sweet water flows into it to enable 60 per cent saline water to vaporise. This simple truth should be considered while making our plans, he added.

“We are facing environmental challenges. Perennial rivers are turning into seasonal rivers. Rivers are drying up even before reaching the sea. Water resources belong to the state and we have to work with consensus to make good use of them. Water is a global as well as local problem. We have to resolve these issues locally. Being a developing country, we have multiple strata in our society. We have to formulate our projects with an integrated approach,” Bommai said.

He assured “relentless efforts” for “timebound implementation” of Jal Jeevan Mission projects in Karnataka. Of the 97.91 lakh rural households, tapped water has to be provided to 25 lakh households in the initial phase. The achievement has been about 18 lakhs. The target of 25 lakhs will be met within the next few months. More funds have been provided in the budget to implement these projects. “I am personally overseeing this, and assure that they will be completed in time,” the CM said.

Rural and urban areas lack proper water supply systems. There is a need for a relook at water management. “PM Modi is the first prime minister who has resolved to solve this problem. He has taken it up as his mission, not as a project. We need to work on a war footing to accomplish this mission. We have an emotional connection with water and coordination among various stakeholders is essential for utilisation of our water resources”, he added.

Ready to facilitate talks between Karnataka, TN on Mekedatu: Union Jal Shakti minister