Scientific water policy must to resolve water disputes: CM

Alamatti, Karnataka, Aug 21 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today called upon the Centre to come out with an innovative and scientific National Water Policy to put an end to inter-state water disputes and avoid ugly political games.

Speaking after President A P J Abdul Kalam dedicated the Upper Krishna Project (UKP) to the nation here, he said such a policy would enable the states to utilise their time better and focus their energy on execution of irrigation projects.

Mr Kumaraswamy said ''unfortunately water issues, of late, have become a cause for ugly political games. It is time to rise above politics and work for the benefit of the people. There is an urgent need today for better water management strategies, including policies of river water sharing between neighbouring states.'' Stating that the coalition government in the state was according top priority to irrigation, he said the government had provided Rs 2,972 crore for completion of 39 long-pending major irrigation projects.

Compared to the previous government, the present dispensation had earmarked 44 per cent more funds for irrigation projects in both Krishna and Cauvery basins, he pointed out.

Mr Kumaraswamy said the government had initiated the 'Suvarna Gramodaya' project for comprehensive development of villages in the state on the lines of 'PURA' (Providing Urban Amenities in Rural Areas) enunciated by Mr Kalam. As many as 1000 villages would be developed initially at a total cost of Rs 1000 crore. The project was designed to include programmes on agriculture, horticulture, industry, environment, culture, social and community development, in addition to providing infrastructure facilities for education, health and entertainment, he added.

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