Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar who is Belagavi said Karnataka has agreed in-principle to the demand of Maharashtra for exchanging water for water. Soon a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard will be signed by both the states.
4 tmc ft of water was demanded by Maharashtra to be released from Tubachi Babaleshwar Lift Irrigation Scheme in Vijayapura taluk to Jatt taluk in Sangli district.
In exchange, Maharashtra will release the same quantum of water to Krishna river from Rajapur barrage during summer.
Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar conducted a meeting of elected representatives and officials from Belagavi, Vijajapur and Bagalkot districts regarding the MoU proposal given by Maharashtra.
The elected representatives from the three districts irrespective of their political affiliations have given constructive suggestions regarding exchanging water with Maharashtra and meet the drinking water needs of parched regions along the course of river Krishna during summer.
A constructive initiative has been taken by guardians of both the states regarding water issue at one table.Most welcome gesture keeping in view deprived farmers and general poor residents hit by scortching sun.