Linking of rivers: K'taka to set up Spl Expert Committee

Mangalore, Aug 23 (UNI) The Karnataka Government will set up a Special Experts Committee in the next one month to go into all the details of the linking of major west-flowing rivers project, aimed at providing drinking water and other benefits to undivided Dakshina Kannada district.

Informing this to reporters after chairing the second meeting on the proposed Rs 5,000 crore project, at Nitte in Suratkal, near here, today, Water Resources Minister K S Eswarappa said he said the committee would be asked to submit its report on various aspects including feasibility of the project. The government was keen on taking up the project as it would not only help in full utilisation of water flowing into sea, but also in promoting industries and tourism in the district.

To a query, he said there was no dearth of funds for taking up irrigation projects in the state, if neccessary. The government was ready to raise bonds by setting up ''Nigams'' like Neeravari nigam and Krishna Jala Bhagya Nigam and funds through NABARD for the proposed project.

He informed that the government had set apart Rs 100 crore during the current year for the construction of vented and check dams in various parts of the state. There was no need for the state to seek Centre's approval for linking of rivers flowing in the state, he clarified.

Earlier, the meeting was attended by top officials and experts from the irrigation department, elected representatives from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi and farmers representatives.

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