Karnataka accepts Maharashtra's demand for water exchange

BELAGAVI: On Monday, DK Shivakumar the Water resources minister had said that, the Karnataka government in principle had accepted the demand made by Maharashtra to sign a permanent memorandum of understanding (MoU) for exchange of water between the states.

After holding a meeting with the senior officials and public representatives of Belagavi, Bagalkot and Bijapur districts regarding the demand made by Maharashtra. "They want 2 tmcft during rabi and 2 tmcft in the kharif season. In exchange, Maharashtra will release the same quantum of water to Krishna river from Rajapur barrage in summer," Shivakumar said while speaking to the reporters.

Since 2004 Maharashtra has been releasing water to Karnataka during summer, for which the state government was paying for. However, since the past two years, Maharashtra has been demanding water in exchange of water.

"I have already spoken to Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on getting water from Maharashtra to fulfil drinking water needs of border taluks in Karnataka. He has assured me of releasing water in the next couple of days despite the election model code of conduct," he said.

Meanwhile, He urged by saying, once water is released by Maharashtra, the river water will be used only for drinking purposes by the people of Krishna basin. He said action will be initiated if they're found using it for irrigation.