Karnataka mulling water sharing with Andhra Pradesh to tackle scarcity

Karnataka Minister K Sudhakar said that the state government is mulling water sharing with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh in order to tackle the issue of water scarcity in Chikkaballapur district's Gowribidanur taluk. He said Andhra Pradesh could be compensated with water from other areas of Karnataka.

Chikkaballapur (Karnataka):The Karnataka government is considering water sharing with Andhra Pradesh to mitigate the issue of water scarcity on Chikkaballapur's Gowribidanur taluk, district in-charge minister K Sudhakar said on Friday.

Speaking at a function in Gowribidanur, Sudhakar said that the drinking water was the main problem in the taluk and the government is planning to get 10-15 TMC water from Andhra Pradesh.

The minister said that the borrowed water could be compensated back to Andhra Pradesh from other parts of Karnataka.

"One round of discussion has been done with the water resource minister regarding this and will be implemented soon," he said.

Sudhakar at the function

Earlier in the day, the Minister initiated various developmental works under Nagaroththana project worth Rs 7.29 crore. He distributed cheques of Rs 5,000 each to beneficiaries under the medical assistance scheme. Sudhakar also distributed possession certificates to beneficiaries of the Ashraya scheme and identity cards to street vendors.

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"Our government is committed towards the development of Chikkaballapur. A request has been made to the Chief Minister to include Chikkaballapur in tier-2 cities which will provide many discounts for industries. Our aim is to establish industries at every taluks in the district," Sudhakar said.

On the rain situation in the state, Sudhakar said that 17 districts have been affected by the heavy downpour.

"The Chief Minister is constantly monitoring the situation and ensuring that relief measures are taken. Though admitted in the hospital, the Chief Minister is giving all necessary instructions to the Ministers and officials to control the situation," he said.

"Affected people have been shifted to safe places. Our government is effectively tackling the flood situation," he added.

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