Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday hit out at the BJP-led government at the Center over delay in granting approval to the construction of Mekedatu reservoir on the Cauvery river and accused neighboring Tamil Nadu of creating 'unnecessary fuss' over the issue.

Karnataka has been pressing for the implementation of the Mekedatu project, saying it is the only solution to the Cauvery water dispute between the two states at a time of rain crisis.

 

He said, 'The BJP government at the Center has not given permission for the Mekedatu project. Tamil Nadu has no reason to oppose the project. This is in our area, Tamil Nadu has been allocated 177.25 TMC of water and we have to release the same amount of water to them in normal years. In times of crisis, the formula for difficult times should be followed.

Speaking to reporters here, he accused Tamil Nadu of creating unnecessary fuss regarding the Mekedatu project and said permission was not being granted despite Karnataka submitting the DPR (Detailed Project Report).

 

"They (Centre) have to ask the Cauvery Water Management Authority (to grant permission) because it comes under the Government of India, but they are not doing so," he said, adding that BJP state leaders Said in the all-party meeting that he will not do politics on this issue but he comes here and does politics.

 

The Chief Minister was replying to a question on BJP criticizing his government for releasing Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. The river basin area in the state is facing the threat of water scarcity due to low rainfall.

 

Siddaramaiah said Karnataka was not releasing water to Tamil Nadu happily, but because of the CWMA order. He said the government is duty-bound to protect the interests of farmers in the state and the drinking water needs of Mysore, Bengaluru and many other districts.