The Hindu : Front Page : Deve Gowda urges Opposition not to politicise Alamatti issue

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Sunday, Sep 04, 2005

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Front Page

Deve Gowda urges Opposition not to politicise Alamatti issue

Staff Correspondent

BIJAPUR: The former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda said here on Saturday that he saw enough reason behind the Centre's directive to Karnataka to reduce the water level in the Alamatti Dam to 509.1 metres till September 30.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Goda criticised the Opposition leaders for politicising the issue. Referring to the Centre's letter issuing the directive, Mr. Gowda said it should be seen as advice and not a directive. The floods have left people in the lurch, and the Opposition should cooperate with the Government to ensure that the needy receive relief.

Asked whether he thinks the water level in the dam be reduced to 509.1 metres, he answered in the affirmative, though indirectly. "It is better that water is impounded at a safe level in the interests of people living along the banks of the river. According to the weather reports, heavy rainfall is likely to continue in the Western Ghats. Hence, the inflow will also be good. The dam can be filled by closing gates at the right time," he said.

Asked if non-compliance of the Centre's directive will give Maharashtra an advantage with the Krishna Tribunal, headed by Justice Brijesh Kumar, which has commenced work on various issues related to the river including the allocation of surplus water, he said there is nothing to worry.

He said he is confident that the Government will effectively present the State's case before the tribunal.

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