Maharashtra, Karnataka to jointly oppose Petition by Andhra at Krishna Water distribution tribunal

Mumbai, September 4, 2019 : Maharashtra and Karnataka today decided to jointly oppose the petition against Krishna Water distribution tribunal filed by Andhra Pradesh Government. The decision was taken during a meeting at Mumbai today between Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa.

Karnataka chief minister Yediyurappa met Chief Minister Fadnavis at Varsha bungalow, the official residence of Maharashtra chief minister. After the meeting, it was decided to form a high level joint committee for mitigation of the flood situation.

Water resources minister Girish Mahajan, Power minister Chandrashekhar Bavankule, Karnataka deputy chief Minister Dr. Ashwat Narayan, Home minister Basavraj Bommai, MP Raghavednra who is son of Chief Minister Yediyurappa were present for the meeting.

The tribunal has given a decision on water distribution between the then three states of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. However, after formation of Telangana as a separate state out of Andhra Pradesh, a petition seeking re-planning of water distribution along with Telangana has been filed by Andhra Pradesh. Since, the Tribunal has already decided about it for Andhra Pradesh and distribution of water between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana is issue between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana which is why Maharashtra and Karnataka have decided to jointly oppose the petition by Andhra Pradesh.

To combat and overcome the flood situation in both the sates, a joint high level committee would be formed. This would also result in coordination and planning for the water storage in dams and flood situation in both the states. Karnataka Chief Minister Yediyurappa and other guests also took blessings from Lord Ganesha incepted at Varsha bungalow.