Karnataka to consult jurist Nariman on Cauvery ‘group of experts’

Nariman heads the legal team for Karnataka on the Cauvery issue. “Today, we have discussed the various pros and cons of the proposal of forming a group of experts and the special leave petition (SLP) pending before the Supreme Court which is coming up for hearing,” Water Resource Minister M B Patil told reporters here. “It was a unanimous decision that all opinions expressed in the meeting should be placed before Nariman and take a decision,” he said. The all-party meeting was attended by Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara, Law Minister TB Jayachandra, Opposition Leader Jagadish Shettar of BJP and JD(S) leaders Basavaraj Horatti and HD Revanna, among others. 

On February 2, the secretary to the Union Water Resources Ministry had communicated to the Karnataka government on the Centre’s proposal to constitute an expert’s group on Cauvery Basin Management and had sought its concurrence for the same. The constitution of group of experts was also discussed at the Cauvery Supervisory Committee meeting on February 17, and again on March 30. The Central Water Commission, through a letter, had sought the views of the states concerned in this regard, to deal with the issue of distress sharing of Cauvery river water. Shettar told media persons that the advantages and disadvantages of constituting the group of experts should be looked in consultation with Nariman. He said, “We have given the Chief Minister the authority to consult Nariman as also a legal team and to take a decision based on their opinion.” 

Asked about the present water situation in the Cauvery river basin, Patil said, “As we had said, we have water till June 30. We will be able to give water to Bengaluru, Mysuru and nearby villages and towns till June 30.”