Date:29/04/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/04/29/stories/2007042905820400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Patil opposes KBJNL closure

Special Correspondent

Alleges bid to cover up corruption

H.K. Patil

BANGALORE: Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council H.K. Patil on Saturday alleged that the Government's move to wind up Krishna Bhagya Jala Nigam Ltd. was aimed at shielding contractors and officials who had misappropriated crores of rupees in the execution of the Upper Krishna Project (UKP).

The Nigam is a special purpose vehicle established in 1994 to mobilise resources to fund irrigation projects in the Krishna basin.

Addressing presspersons here, Mr. Patil alleged that many contractors and engineers had delayed work for several years and misused funds. A report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India had highlighted corruption and deficiencies in the execution of the UKP. Instead of winding up the Nigam, the Government should hold an inquiry to bring the corrupt contractors and officials to book, he said.

Mr. Patil said at least five years would be required to complete 30 ongoing irrigation projects in the Krishna Basin. The proposal to wind by the Nigam was a big blow to the north Karnataka region and its farmers. The people of the region would launch an agitation if the Government Nigam was wound up.

The Congress leader said the State would be getting at least 150 tmcft of Krishna waters under Scheme B of the Bachawat Award. The Centre had already set up a tribunal to apportion the surplus waters among Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.

He urged the Government to clarify its stand on the future of the Nigam soon to avoid confusion.

Mr. Patil appealed to Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to hold a meeting with legislators and MPs of the region to strengthen the Nigam and take steps to utilise the State share of Krishna waters.