Negotiations the best way to remove Cauvery imbroglio: Kumaraswamy

Gulbarga, Feb 25 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy today said the best way to solve the Cauvery river water sharing dispute between the river basin states was through talks.

''We strongly feel that a negotiated settlement is the best way to settle the differences and I call upon the neighbouring states to consider this point,'' he added.

Speaking to reporters at Srinivas Saradgi village, where President A P J Abdul Kalam launched the 'Suvarna Gramodaya' project, he said he did not feel it was necessary to change the legal advisors who represented the state before the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, as demanded by some leaders.

He announced setting up of a first grade college and a Public Health Centre in the village.

On implementation of the Fifth Pay Commission recommendations to hike the salaries and allowances of the state government employees, he said a decision would taken after studying the report and the financial status of the state.

He said the government was committed to implement the recommendations of the Nanjundappa Committee on regional imbalances in the state.

''In the coming state budget the government would allocate maximum possible funds for irrigation, agriculture and education'', he said.

Responding to a question, he said the government had no misunderstanding with Governor T N Chaturvedi over the election of Chairman to the Legislative Council. A final decision on the election would be taken shortly.

He assured the people of Gulbarga to consider relaxing the helmet rule like the government had done in Bellary city in view of the hot climate.

Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who was also present, reiterated the government's decision to ban arrack in the state from the coming financial year.

UNI