MADIKERI: A special team will be formed in Kodagu to prevent pollution of the River Cauvery and curb encroachment of water bodies across the district, confirmed Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. He made this announcement while speaking to the media during his visit to Talacauvery and Bhagamandala temples in Kodagu.
Shivakumar, who was at the pilgrimage centres to offer special puja, collected holy water from Triveni Sangama and Talacauvery. He confirmed that this water would be taken to Bengaluru and distributed during the launch of the Water Conservation Campaign, which is being organised as part of World Water Day.
Taking a dip at the sacred ‘kundike’ at Talacauvery, Shivakumar also announced the launch of the Cauvery Aarati ritual along the riverbanks, including at the KRS Dam premises.
"Funds will be allotted for the initiative, which aims to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and environmental preservation," he stated. He added that a week-long awareness campaign would be conducted across the state in connection with World Water Day.
On the proposed university merger, Shivakumar clarified, “We are only merging the universities and not shutting them down. The merger is being carried out in the interest of students. The new universities will be integrated with well-established and sought-after institutions.”
He further acknowledged challenges regarding Kodagu University’s smooth functioning, stating, “The staff associated with Mangalore University is unwilling to work with Kodagu University, which has emerged as a challenge.” He assured that the government was gathering students’ opinions before making a final decision. “These opinions will be discussed during the assembly sessions before arriving at a decision on the mergers,” he confirmed.
Responding to media queries about the state-wide bandh call, Shivakumar opined that there was no need for a bandh and urged people to support causes that promote peace. Meanwhile, he confirmed his participation in the conference called by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin against unilateral constituency delimitation.