Karnataka government declines Tamil Nadu's request for Cauvery water release
Madikeri: In a move to safeguard the interests of the state's farmers, Minor Irrigation Minister NS Boseraju has announced that the Karnataka government cannot comply with Tamil Nadu's request for the release of River Cauvery water.
Addressing the matter during an interaction with journalists on Tuesday, Minister Boseraju conveyed that the Tamil Nadu government had petitioned the Supreme Court for a directive requiring Karnataka to release 24,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily. This plea aimed to safeguard the crops in the neighboring state. However, due to the prevailing circumstances, Karnataka finds it unfeasible to meet this demand.
Emphasizing the state government's commitment to the welfare of Karnataka's farmers, Minister Boseraju highlighted that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has already clarified the government's stance. He affirmed that prioritizing the well-being of local farmers remains a top concern. The decision to release water to neighboring states hinges on natural factors and the availability of water resources.
Boseraju informed that an Irrigation Consultative Committee (ICC) meeting has been convened to deliberate on the matter. The deliberations have led to the determination of an appropriate timeline for the release of water into canals to facilitate agricultural activities.
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Waqf Bill anti-secular, will snatch rights of Muslims: Mamata Banerjee
Kolkata (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday described the Waqf (Amendment) Bill as “anti-secular”, claiming that it would snatch the rights of Muslims.
Banerjee, speaking in the assembly, also said the Centre did not consult with states over the matter.
“The bill is anti-federal and anti-secular; it is a deliberate attempt to malign a particular section. It will snatch the rights of Muslims... The Centre did not consult with us on the Waqf Bill,” she said.
The chief minister added that “if any religion was attacked”, she would wholeheartedly condemn it.
Opposition parties have stridently criticised the amendments proposed by the bill in the existing Waqf Act, alleging that they violate the religious rights of Muslims.
The ruling BJP has asserted that the amendments will bring transparency in the functioning of the Waqf boards and make them accountable.
A parliamentary committee has been constituted to scrutinise the contentious bill.
