We Should Embrace Brotherhood in Our Lives

Bengaluru:

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy issued a plea to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday stating that the residents of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should coexist like siblings to address concerns regarding the Mekedatu project and utilizing the water flowing into the sea from the Mettur reservoir in Tamil Nadu.

Speaking at an event marking the commencement of Mysuru Chalo Padyatra, Mr Kumaraswamy expressed, “We will persuade Prime Minister Narendra Modi about resolving the conflicts. We do not commit any unfairness to Tamil Nadu. I will communicate this to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister that we should live like siblings. How long will the populace of Karnataka endure your supremacy in this Indian federal system?”

“The citizens of Karnataka have empowered us to voice our opinions in the Lok Sabha. To secure the rightful portion of water for Karnataka and to seek justice, we will sincerely strive towards resolving the conflicts. I will seek the support of former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who also served as the water resources minister. We will collaborate,” Mr Kumaraswamy added.

In July, Karnataka was supposed to release 30 tmc of water to Tamil Nadu and over 50 tmc of water has been discharged.

Tamil Nadu farmers are requesting that their government conserve the excess water from the Mettur Dam that is flowing into the sea.

“In 2018-19, 600 tmc of water was transferred to Tamil Nadu from the state,” he asserted.

“The Mekedatu matter is a 125-year-old disagreement and it cannot be resolved overnight,” he remarked.