Preparing to meet water demand

BELGAUM: “As most part of the state is reeling under drought, Karnataka will have to take an all party delegation to the Union and demand them to release more funds soon,” said Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda. A report tabled by the three teams, which have travelled across the state will be submitted before April 12, and based on that report a meeting will be held, the chief minister said.Gowda said government was giving equal priority to all the drought-hit areas and was taking up relief works. He said alternate arrangements were made to ensure adeqaute supply of water in the state during summer.“There is no shortage of fodder and water for cattle. Police have been instructed not to allow illegal transportation of animals and fodder to other states,” the chief minister said.He said the district administration had sanctioned Rs 15 crore for drought relief and appealed to the MLAs to hold a meeting every fortnight to draw proposals for relief works.Also, Gowda said Maharashtra had assured to release 2 TMC water to Krishna river from Koyna reservoir within two days. A team led by Water Resources Minister Umesh Katti will meet Maharashtra chief minister Prithviraj Chavan to discuss about the project, the CM said.