Mahadayi interlocutory order is inappropriate distribution of water
In the struggle for water that lasted for nearly 20 years affecting North Karnataka region such as Dharwad, Vijayapura and others there has been a respite to the problem, finally. The Mahadayi Tribual has given its interlocutory order in case of Mahadayi water sharing issue between Karnataka and Goa. The tribunal has admitted that Karnataka has a right on the water of this river that originates in the border area of Karnataka and flows into Goa.
But the fact that Goa gets high share of water in this distribution is something that would turn into a bone of contention in Karnataka. According to this order, Karnataka gets 13.42 tmc ft and Goa gets 24 tmc ft water for themselves. Moreover, the tribunal has rejected Goa’s plea that Karnataka should not be allowed to channel water to Malaprabha river basin, or use for any other purpose. This aspect is more than welcome. Though the order is very satisfactory, this is not total justice to Karnataka. The state should approach the Supreme Court to claim entire share of the water.
The farmers of the region have been demanding this since a long time, and justifiably so. The struggle began in Navalagund and Naragund then spread to Bailhongal, Badami, Guledgud and Bagalkot as well. People took to streets unmindful of the fear of action by police. About 11 people died and many sat on a dharna before the houses of BJP MPs and MLAs in North Karnataka. They demanded that the BJP legislators should pressurize their party that has assumed power at the centre to ensure justice for them.
Former CM Siddaramaiah had taken all party delegation to Delhi regarding this issue. Though they requested PM Narendra Modi to intervene and sort this issue out, the PM didn’t respond positively. The tribunal provided an opportunity for Goa, Maharashtra and Karnataka to discuss and reach an agreement on this matter. Even the then Congress government had shown interest in this approach. But the BJP government at the centre acted rather irresponsibly including even those governments in Maharashtra and Goa. PM Modi gave the most callous answer stating one should go to him after the leaders of opposition parties in Goa and Maharashtra arrive at a consensus on the issue.
The MPs and MLAs of BJP from Karnataka sat silently before PM Modi. Yeddyurappa in a speech had said Goa BJP government was all set to sort this issue out, and that Goa CM Parrikar had written a letter to him in this regard. He even showed a letter to the effect. But Parrikar had not shown any such inclination and was rather irresponsive about the issue.
Yeddyurappa had staged this whole episode to convince the people of Uttara Karnataka that they were trying their best to find solution to this issue. In reality, Yeddyurappa has sat silent before the PM when all party delegation met him. Though the interlocutory order is some solace, this is one step in right direction. Now the state can approach the Supreme Court. The tribunal has allowed any drinking water project to be taken up by Karnataka and has fixed separate share of water for drinking water and hydroelectric project purposes. State has to consult the experts on this before taking further step.
Karnataka had sought 7.56 tmc ft water for drinking purpose. The state would surely be happy with 13.37 tmc ft water that has been allotted as its share. The government has to call for a meeting of experts, farmers and elected representatives to take the next step towards ensuring more water is allocated to it. Central Water Commission has opined that Karnataka should get 42 tmc ft water but it has got only 13.37 tmc ft. This means this water can be used to drink and generate power, and share the same water with Goa again.
State has not got water that is needed for agriculture. During monsoon, state should not be forced to flow its share of water into Malaprabha river. We can get water from Kalasa owing to geography and gravitational force. But since Banduri is in higher space, this water has to be lifted using other techniques. If farmers’ fields have to be provided with water, the channels have to be dug and made functional very soon. The government will have to take suggestions from the experts regarding this. The tribunal has agreed to the fact that 188 tmc ft water can be used. This is a moral victory for Karnataka. Only 38 tmc ft water has been distributed among three states now. The other 150tmc ft water is not being distributed. Before Goa approaches the higher court, Karnataka should take the first step and ensure it gets more water. The distribution could have been more appropriate to ensure Karnataka didn’t feel wronged. But since this distribution is inappropriate, Karnataka naturally feels it has got the lowest share. This has to be rectified at the earliest.
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Rohit identifies Arshdeep, Hardik as key to India's chances in T20 World Cup
New Delhi (PTI): T20 World Cup-winning captain Rohit Sharma reckons all-rounder Hardik Pandya and left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh will hold the key to India's prospects in the upcoming edition of the tournament.
Defending champions India will enter the T20 showpiece as one of the overwhelming favourites due to their massive depth and quality.
Rohit highlighted Arshdeep's effectiveness with the new ball and at the death.
"It is a big positive to have both Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh together because they always attack for wickets. Arshdeep's biggest strength is swinging the new ball and taking early wickets. He mainly bowls with the new ball and at the death. Starting and finishing are the most important phases, and he is strong in both," Rohit told JioHotstar.
"With the new ball, he swings it to get left-handers caught in the slips and targets the pads of right-handers. He has also started taking the ball away from right-handers. These skills are key for a new-ball bowler. He always tries to take wickets, which is why he bowls the first over."
Rohit added, "In the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa, he did a great job. I still remember he dismissed Quinton de Kock when he was set and batting well. In the 19th over, he gave away just two or three runs, which built pressure on the South Africans.
"That is his game, bowling with the new ball and at the death, and he will play a key role for India in the 2026 T20 World Cup."
India won the last edition of the tournament in the Americas under Rohit's captaincy, after which the dashing opener retired from the T20 format internationally.
Rohit also spoke about how Hardik's dual role as a finisher and multi-phase bowler provides crucial balance to the Indian team.
"Whenever Hardik Pandya is in the team, his role is huge. He bats and bowls very consistently. His batting is crucial when the team is stuck. If we have a score of 160 on the board in 15-16 overs and Hardik is batting, then he's the one who can help the team reach 210-220 from there or if we are 50 for 4, he has to build the innings.
"Batting in the middle order at 5, 6, or 7 is very tough. That is why Hardik's role is critical in any format. We know his bowling. He bowls in key phases, with the new ball, in the middle and in the death as well. His role is very important because he gives the team balance, letting us play six bowlers and keep our batting deep."
Rohit said accommodating both Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy together in the playing XI is going to be a big challenge for the Indian team management.
"The biggest challenge for captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gautam Gambhir will be how to play both Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy together. If you want that combination, you can only do it if you play with two seamers, which is a big challenge.
"But honestly, I would be tempted to play both Varun and Kuldeep because they are wicket-takers and batters struggle to read them. I would surely pick them."
The former India skipper added, "Looking at the conditions in India, like in this New Zealand series, there is a lot of dew. In February and March, dew will be heavy across most parts as winter ends.
"Even in Mumbai, which doesn't get cold, there's still dew. I'd say 90-95 percent of grounds in India have dew. That's the challenge. What do the coach and captain think? Are they comfortable with three spinners? Then they can play spin, but there's no fixed rule. It depends on the team leaders' thinking."
Rohit also urged Kuldeep to stop appealing on every ball and to rely on the wicketkeeper's judgment for reviews.
"My one simple advice to Kuldeep is to just bowl quietly and go back to his mark. You can't appeal on every ball. This is basic. I keep saying it, but it still happens often. Even after telling him many times, he appeals at every chance. You have to use your head. Just because it touches the pad, it doesn't mean it's out every time. This isn't gully cricket.
"I get he is enthusiastic, but think of the team first. Each team only gets two DRS reviews. If I was the keeper, I could see where the ball pitched and if it was hitting, I could tell the bowler.
"But from covers or slip, you don't know the angle. You have to listen to what the keeper and bowler say. That's why when there's a review off Kuldeep's bowling, I don't look at him, I look at the keeper to decide."
The T20 World Cup is scheduled to be held in venues across India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8.
