KSE: Form panel to assess water availability

Belagavi: KS Eshwarappa, leader of opposition in the legislative council, has highlited the need for constituting an expert committee to assess the water availability along upper Cauvery basin for releasing water to Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to mediapersons on the ongoing water dispute between the riparian states and the Supreme Court direction on releasing water to Tamil Nadu, he said the apex court should appoint a committee to study the situation and water storage levels in reservoirs in the upper Cauvery basin."By appointing the committee, the apex court can protect the interest of both states," he said, adding: "When Karnataka itself is facing water ciris due to shortage of rainfall in Cauvery catchment areas, it is difficult to release water to the other state. Lakhs of people, including those in Bengaluru and Mysuru, totally depend on Cauvery for drinking water and irrigation."
Eshwarappa also took a dig at chief minister Siddaramaiah for his alleged volte face on continuing with senior counsel F S Nariman representing Karnataka in Supreme Court. "Siddaramaiah, while in opposition, had demanded replacement of Nariman, arguing that he was not adequately protecting the interest of Karnataka. But now, after coming to power, has turned defensive and singing a different tune," Eshwarappa claimed. tnn