A meeting will be held in Hubli soon to discuss the issues related to linking Kalasa and Banduri streams to Malaprabha river.
Elected representatives of the region, representatives of organisations fighting for the implementation of the water project, technical experts and officials of the government are expected to take part in the meeting.
Water Resources Minister M B Patil has made the assurance to the members of Kalasa Banduri Struggle Coordination Committee (KBSCC) who met him at his residence in Bijapur recently. The KBSCC is spearheading the renewed agitation urging the government to take a firm stand on the project.
The KBSCC members apprised the minister of the importance of the project for the region.
Expressing their apprehension about the government stand on the project, they told the minister that the delay in implementing the project for several years has pushed them to take the route of agitation afresh.
The minister said protecting the interests of the state is the top priority of the government. “The meeting in this regard will be convened soon in Hubli and elected representatives and officials will discuss the project in detail’’, he said and invited the committee members to attend the meeting.
Members Vijay Kulkarni and Vikas Soppin were present.
WHAT IS KALASA-BANDURI PROJECT?
Kalasa-Banduri Nala is aimed at diverting 5.76 tmc ft water from Kalasa and Banduri streams to the Malaprabha river near Kanakumbi in Khanapur taluk. The diverted water will be used to meet the drinking water needs of Hubli-Dharwad and nine other towns in Belgaum, Dharwad, Gadag and Bagalkot districts. However, the project was stalled after Goa objected to it and the cntral government set up a tribunal to look in to the dispute.