"Duty bound to protect rights of my citizens": Priyank Kharge on Cauvery water dispute
Bengaluru, August 5
Amid the ongoing dispute over the sharing of Cauvery river water, Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Wednesday asserted that while Tamil Nadu is acting in the interest of its people, the Karnataka government remains firm and committed to safeguarding the rights and water needs of its own citizens.
Speaking to reporters here on the Cauvery issue, Kharge emphasised that every state government prioritises the welfare of its residents within the framework of state responsibility.
"They (Tamil Nadu) will protect the rights of their citizens. I am duty-bound to protect the rights of my citizens," Kharge said, highlighting the state's resolve to defend its water interests.
The Cauvery water dispute is a long-running inter-state river water-sharing conflict with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu being the principal parties. The dispute revolves around how the waters of the Cauvery River should be shared, particularly during years of low rainfall.
The issue resurfaced amid developments concerning the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, proposed by Karnataka. It has been a major point of friction between the two states, with Tamil Nadu traditionally opposing it on the grounds that it would affect the flow of water downstream.
On August 3, Farmers in Tamil Nadu staged an unusual protest on the banks of the Cauvery River in Tiruchirappalli, burying themselves in sand to demand the immediate release of Cauvery water for irrigation.
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said protecting the interests of the state and its people would remain the government's highest priority as it deals with the Cauvery water-sharing dispute, while appealing to political parties and Kannada organisations not to call for a bandh over the issue.
"People across the state are eagerly waiting to know what decision will be taken. I have assumed the responsibility of serving as the Chief Minister of this state. I was born and brought up in the Cauvery basin. I am the son of a farmer and have personally experienced farming and agriculture," he said earlier.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally a minister who speaks his mind! TN farmers are also our brothers and sisters, but Karnataka farmers' needs cannot be ignored either. The Mekedatu project is crucial for Bengaluru's drinking water. Hope the center steps in with a fair solution that considers both states. 🙏
Reading this from the US, it reminds me of the Colorado River disputes between states here. The science of water sharing is complex, but the politics makes it worse. India needs a robust national water policy that accounts for climate change, not just historical agreements.
As someone from Bengaluru, the water crisis here is real. We rely heavily on Cauvery. But at the same time, farmers in TN have been doing this for generations. Instead of politicians making statements, we need technical experts and hydrologists to sit together and find a data-driven solution. Enough of this political football! 😤
The burial protest by TN farmers is quite dramatic and shows their desperation. But shouldn't we question why our agricultural practices still rely so heavily on water-intensive crops in drought-prone areas? Maybe it's time for crop diversification and modern irrigation techniques across both states.
Both states' governments are just playing to their vote banks. I'm from Karnataka and I support my state, but let's be honest — if it was our farmers doing those protests, we'd be demanding the same. The real solution is the Mekedatu project with proper environmental clearances, ensuring storage without harming TN's interests. A win-win is possible if both sides drop the ego.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.