Date:06/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/06/stories/2007020608070100.htm

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Karnataka weighs options

S. Rajendran

BANGALORE: The Karnataka Government on Monday put off giving its views on the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, saying its reaction would be announced after discussions with leaders of all political parties. A meeting was scheduled to be held here on Tuesday. The legislature is in session. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy will first make a statement on the floor of the Assembly.

Informed sources in the Government, however, told The Hindu that the final verdict "is indeed fair" and that it could not be termed going against the interests of Karnataka, barring some minor aberrations relating to measuring the quantum in the catchments between Billigundulu and Mettur. If Karnataka files a petition, that would relate to this measurement.

The Chief Minister refrained from reacting, and said irrigation experts in his Government were looking into the final order. The stance of the Government would be made known after studying it.

However, Deputy Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa and Minister for Water Resources K.S. Eshwarappa, said in the Assembly that the award was unfair to the State.