The Hindu : Convene NDC to discuss linking of rivers: Krishna

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Nov 17, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

Convene NDC to discuss linking of rivers: Krishna

By Our Staff Reporter

KARAIKAL Nov. 16. The Karnataka Chief Minister, S.M.Krishna, has urged the Union Government to convene the National Development Council to discuss the possibilities of interlinking of rivers as suggested by the Supreme Court.

Talking to reporters at Thirunallar near here today, Mr. Krishna said he was happy that the apex court had directed the Centre to give positive thought to the project.

Though the project would involve huge expenditure, if implemented, it would be very helpful for all the States in the country.

Adding that somewhere a beginning had to be made to implement this project, he urged the Union Government to prepare a detailed project report and convene the NDC so that all States could pledge their support or air their views about the project.

``No comments'', was his reply when his attention was brought to the apex court's direction to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Ms. Jayalalithaa, to write a fresh letter to the Prime Minister on the issue of convening the CRA meeting.

Responding to a query on the progress of efforts taken to get the former Karnataka Minister, Nagappa, released from the forest brigand Veerappan, Mr. Krishna said steps were being taken in this regard.

He said he would lead a trade delegation to the United States early next year since there was enough scope for foreign investment in information sector in Karnataka.

Asked to give details about the infrastructural and other development works taken up by his Government, he said several road works had been taken up apart from the Upper Krishna canal works and desilting of tanks and channels in north Karnataka.

Mr. Krishna arrived at Karaikal by 12-45 p.m. in a helicopter and offered prayers at the Sri Dharbharanyeshwarar temple.

After performing pujas at the shrine he left for Pondicherry by air.

Krishna for CMs' meet on Cauvery

A joint meeting of the Chief Ministers of four riparian States should be held to sort out the Cauvery water sharing issue, the Karnataka Chief Minister, S.M.Krishna, said today in Pondicherry.

"I have been expressing the same sentiment (convening of a joint meet) on different occasions for such a conclave on river water issue", he said, adding that he did not want to be drawn into any debate on the issue as the matter was sub judice.

Mr. Krishna, who was talking to reporters at the airport on his way to Tirunallar near Karaikal to offer prayers at the shrine of Lord Saneeswarar, said he would seek blessings for more rain.

On the release of the former Minister, Nagappa, from brigand Veerappan, he said Karnataka's Home Minister would meet the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister soon.

Replying to a question he said that on the earlier episode (of kidnap of Rajkumar and his rescue from Veerappan) there were a good number of intermediaries, but now `unfortunately not many are available.'

On arrival at the airport, the Union Territory's Chief Minister, Rangasamy, the Agriculture Minister, A. Namassivayam, the Local Administration Minister, A. Elumalai, the Deputy Speaker, A. V. Subramanian, and legislators of the ruling Congress party, gave a warm welcome to Mr. Krishna.

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