K'taka against fresh study in Cauvery basin areas

Bangalore, Apr 28 (UNI) Karnataka today opposed fresh investigation into the crop pattern and water requirements of the Cauvery basin areas by an Expert Committee as it would be time consuming and lead to interminable delay in passing the final order in the vexed Cauvery water dispute.

In response to order passed by two members of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal members, Justice M S Rao and Justice Sudhir Narain, on April 21, the State Government said ''it is neither fair nor appropriate, particularly at this stage after the conclusion of arguments, to reopen any of the questions as proposed in the order.'' The state submitted that the order not be made absolute and given effect to.

It said the matter had been argued from the start on an adversial basis for arriving at an adjudication and the party states had been given full opportunity to file documents, information and data, besides providing oral evidence. Detailed arguments had been advanced on sufficiency of evidence or otherwise in respect of crop water management.

However, the two members had opined that it was necessary to set up a three-member Experts Committee to assess crop pattern and water requirements of the four riparian states before pronouncing the final award and issued directions to this effect. They had also given the party states one week's time to submit its views.

UNI VK/SR RG RR KN1931