"Moving ahead to build united India": Pralhad Joshi asserts Centre, Karnataka govt will walk path of cooperation
New Delhi, July 28
Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi on Monday said Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's directive regarding the desilting of dams.
"Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has welcomed the Prime Minister's directive given to Union Minister CR Patil regarding desilting of dams. The PM has said a special task force, technology and financial assistance will be provided. The CM has welcomed this. This means we are moving ahead to build a united India by bringing the states together. We have told the CM that we need his cooperation. We have told the state government, 'If any of our ministers or the CM himself comes, inform us. We have 3-4 ministers here; we will coordinate and come.' Many issues were discussed in a good atmosphere today," Joshi said.
Addressing the contentious Mekedatu Reservoir project, he said that the Centre has already said that no permission will be given for any dam in the Haveri area and the state government should submit the revised DPR.
"The Centre itself has already given a reply in Parliament that no permission will be given for any dam in the Haveri area. Now the state government should submit the revised DPR. We will cooperate. I would also request the Karnataka government to talk with Tamil Nadu. This is not about one party vs another. Earlier, DK Shivakumar had said the state government would take it up. Talk to them and try to resolve it. If that doesn't happen, send the revised DPR. We will give all kinds of support."
Speaking on the Mahadayi River issue, Joshi said, "The Union Environment Minister has written a letter saying the matter is sub judice because Karnataka has gone to the Supreme Court. I have suggested to the Karnataka government, and today the CM has responded positively. When I was Deputy CM, an officer named Gaurav Gupta had come. I had told them at that time to withdraw it and get it cleared in the Supreme Court, where it is pending. Today they have responded positively."
Earlier in July, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar met with all state MPs in Delhi to discuss issues including drought, water disputes and key pending projects, including Mekedatu, Mahadayi and Krishna river-related matters.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see Pralhad Joshi and DK Shivakumar talking. But I hope this cooperation isn't just for the cameras. Karnataka has been facing water issues for decades - the desilting of dams and river disputes need real action, not just meetings. Let's hope they deliver.
"Moving ahead to build united India" - sounds nice but ground reality is different. Mekedatu and Mahadayi are sensitive issues for Karnataka, especially for farmers. The Centre saying 'no permission for Haveri dam' is disappointing. They should listen to Karnataka's concerns too. Balanced approach needed!
As someone who has seen Indian politics for years, this looks like typical diplomatic talk. But if they actually work together on dam desilting and river disputes, it would be a game-changer for farmers. Let's hope PM Modi's directive isn't just another announcement.
United India is the dream! But the state government should also talk to Tamil Nadu, as Joshi suggested. Water sharing is a national issue, not just state vs state. I appreciate the CM responding positively - shows maturity. Now implement it! 💪
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