Cauvery: Karnataka files petition before CWMA seeking review
deputy CM expresses respite with increase in inflow
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said the state has filed a petition before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) seeking a review of its order on the release of river water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
CWMA on Friday asked Karnataka to release 3,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu till October 15, despite the state stating that there is not enough water.
State Water Resources Minister Shivakumar, however said the inflow of water to reservoirs in the Cauvery basin increasing to 15,000 cusecs, is a sign of respite.
"On Saturday afternoon itself we filed a petition before the Management Authority (CWMA) seeking a review, following the suggestions given by senior former Judges including M N Venkatachalaiah (Former Chief Justice of India)," Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters here, he said, "Meanwhile, I have got a report this morning -- I'm checking two to three times a day -- today inflow is 15,000 cusecs. It is good news for now."
Farmers and people of the region (Cauvery basin) should pray to rain Gods, he said, adding that,"If such inflow continues, there won't be much trouble, as we have released water to state's farmers for crops and seepage water is flowing."
Shivakumar further said, "Recent rains in Bengaluru and areas below KRS dam like -- Mandya, Kollegala, Hanuru among others are also getting registered (as part of flow towards TN). So in the last three-four days there is a record regarding flow up to 6,500 cusecs (towards TN) despite us not releasing water from KRS, so if there are more rains, it will strengthen us."
He, however maintained that the legal fight that is necessary will continue.
Karnataka has been maintaining that it is not in a position to release water, taking into account its own need for drinking water and irrigation for standing crops in the Cauvery basin areas, as there has been water scarcity due to deficit monsoon rains.
Farmers and pro Kannada organsiations have been protesting in various parts of the state against releasing water to Tamil Nadu and two bandhs were called in a week -- in Bengaluru on September 26, and statewide on September 29 -- in this regard.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Another North Goa nightclub sealed; Kejriwal says corruption led to fire tragedy
Panaji (PTI): As part of a crackdown against tourist establishments violating laws and safety norms in the aftermath of the Arpora fire tragedy, Goa authorities on Saturday sealed a renowned club at Vagator and revoked the fire department NOC of another club.
Cafe CO2 Goa, located on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea at Vagator beach in North Goa, was sealed. The move came two days after Goya Club, also in Vagator, was shut down for alleged violations of rules.
Elsewhere, campaigning for local body polls, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said the fire incident at Birch by Romeo Lane nightclub at Arpora, which claimed 25 lives on December 6, happened because the BJP government in the state was corrupt.
An inspection of Cafe CO2 Goa by a state government-appointed team revealed that the establishment, with a seating capacity of 250, did not possess a no-objection certificate (NOC) of the Fire and Emergency Services Department. The club, which sits atop Ozrant Cliff, also did not have structural stability, the team found.
The Fire and Emergency Services on Saturday also revoked the NOC issued to Diaz Pool Club and Bar at Anjuna as the fire extinguishers installed in the establishment were found to be inadequate, said divisional fire officer Shripad Gawas.
A notice was issued to Nitin Wadhwa, the partner of the club, he said in the order.
Campaigning at Chimbel village near Panaji in support of his party's Zilla Panchayat election candidate, Aam Aadmi Party leader Kejriwal said the nightclub fire at Arpora happened because of the "corruption of the Pramod Sawant-led state government."
"Why this fire incident happened? I read in the newspapers that the nightclub had no occupancy certificate, no building licence, no excise licence, no construction licence or trade licence. The entire club was illegal but still it was going on," he said.
"How could it go on? Couldn't Pramod Sawant or anyone else see it? I was told that hafta (bribe) was being paid," the former Delhi chief minister said.
A person can not work without bribing officials in the coastal state, Kejriwal said, alleging that officers, MLAs and even ministers are accepting bribes.
