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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Australia bundled out for 104 as India take 46-run first-innings lead
Perth (PTI): Pacer Jasprit Bumrah completed his 11th five-wicket haul in Tests as Australia were bundled out for 104 at lunch, losing the remaining three wickets in the morning session on Day 2 to give India a handy 46-run first-innings lead in the opening match here on Saturday.
For India, captain Jasprit Bumrah (5/30) was the pick of the bowlers while Mohammed Siraj (2/20) and debutant Harshit Rana (3/48) also chipped in.
It was a abject surrender from Australia, who could add just 37 runs to their overnight score of 67/7, thanks chiefly to tail-ender Mitchell Starc (26), who emerged the highest scorer for his side
Bumrah struck the first blow on Saturday, dismissing keeper-batter Alex Carey (21) off the first ball of his over as the Australian could add just two runs to his overnight score.
India were all out for 150 from 49.4 overs at the stroke of tea on Friday.
Brief Scores:
India: 150 all out in 49.4 overs vs Australia: 104 all out in 51.2 overs (Alex Carey 21, Mitchell Starc 26; Jasprit Bumrah 5/30, Harshit Rana 3/48, Mohammed Siraj 2/20).
