Dharwad: MLC Basavaraj Horatti has urged the government to take immediate and bold decisions with regard to Kappatagudda and Mahadayi issues, the inordinate delay in which has upset the people of North Karnataka region.
In a letter written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Horatti has sought steps to undo the injustice being done to the people in both the issues.
He blamed the state government for having come under pressure from mining lobby to mine for gold in the Kappatagudda area and removed the conservation reserve tag given to the forest, which has scores of medicinal plants.
As for the Mahadayi issue, North Karnataka has been demanding the implementation of the Mahadayi project, which is designed for supplying drinking water to the major Cities in North Karnataka. Once this project is implemented, the water crisis in the major towns and cities would be solved permanently, he noted.
Horatti had reiterated with the chief minister that the Kappatagudda had rare medicinal plants and all have the responsibility to protect them. Mahadayi water can quench the thirst of lakhs of people in the region, while diversion of water from Mahadayi basin to Malaprabha river is essential to protect the interests of farmers and others, he said.
The Wildlife Board had empowered the chief minister to take a decision with regard to the Kappatagudda issue. But, due to delay in taking a decision, some followers of the capitalists obtained stay from the court,” he said.
The government should seriously act over the issue and again bring the Kappatagudda under the conservation tag, he demanded.
Referring to the Mahadayi issue, Horatti said water from the Mahadayi was being sought by Karnataka for drinking water purpose in the towns and cities of North Karnataka. Moreover, the State is seeking permission to divert a very little quantum of water from the Mahadayi, which would not be a burden for Goa, he added.
