Karnataka has made its stand clear against any kind of negotiations with neighbouring States where tribunal award has been given already even as Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday announced that an all party meeting would be convened to discuss water issues.
While Water Resources Minister Govind Karjol met Union Jal Shakthi Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat here early on Sunday morning to convey the State's stand on negotiated settlement for water issues as suggested by the latter on Saturday, Mr. Bommai told reporters in Hubballi that the all party meeting would be convened during the ongoing budget session of the legislature. "I will also seek time with the Union Minister to find solutions to the water issues. The state has already urged the Union Water Resources Minister to provide early clearance to Mekedaatu DPR."
Meanwhile, Water Resources Department sources said that Mr. Karjol clearly stated that there is no need for negotiation and the question of a dialogue does not arise. "Karnataka has the right on water and the right has been established by the tribunal awards. Negotiable settlement is not advisable after tribunal awards. In case of Cauvery and Mahadayi rivers, the Centre has already gazetted the awards and Krishna tribunal 2 award is yet to be done. All these concerns were conveyed to the Centre," sources said.
