Mysuru: Karnataka has failed miserably in utilizing naturally available water resources and harnessing them effectively over the years, opined Waterman of India and Magsaysay award winner Rajendra Singh from Rajasthan.
Addressing the members of district journalists association in Mysuru on the topic ‘water, source of life‘, he said, “The state has not made sincere efforts in water harvesting to enhance ground water levels, dredging water tanks because of which water scarcity has reached dangerous proportions giving rise to conflict and tension between neighbouring states”.
The government should work towards protecting the environment and improve the condition of water bodies to tide over the crisis on priority basis, he suggested.
The courts cannot solve the water disputes between states, but can only issue guidelines as courts do not have powers on this critical issue. It is up to state legislatures to find an amicable solution by passing resolutions and getting final approval from the President and hence the role of Supreme Court is limited, he clarified.
On the national water policy he felt, it is a mixed bag which has both advantages and disadvantages. There are chances of privatising as well as misuse of power by politicians by taking control over water bodies through tenders, he warned.
Farmer leader and sugar cane grower Kurubur Shanthakumar, district journalists’ union president K Deepak, general secretary Lokesh babu and others were present.