Team to be constituted to prevent pollution in Cauvery, encroachment of river bank, says Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar

Karnataka Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar says team will also prevent encroachment of river bank.

The government of Karnataka will constitute a team to prevent pollution of the Cauvery and encroachment of the river banks.

This was stated by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at Bhagamandala in Kodagu on March 21. Responding to queries on increase in river pollution, Mr. Shivakumar said the government will do whatever is necessary to conserve ‘this land, water, history and heritage’.

Referring to World Water Day, Mr. Shivakumar, who is also the Minister for Major and Minor Irrigation, said a week-long programme will be conducted to promote water conservation. The objective of the Cauvery Aartiis to raise public awareness on reducing water wastage and its proper usage, he added.

Mr. Shivakumar said the Cauvery Aarti at Sankey Tank in Bengaluru is an effort in this direction and a pledge will be administered to the public taking part in it, on the imperatives of water conservation. ‘’People can also take the pledge online and spread awareness through social media,” he added, and said that all citizens and politicians should participate in this event.

The Minister, who offered prayers at Talacauvery, referred to Cauvery Aarti on the banks of the river, and said financial allocation has already been made for the event.

‘’A decision will be taken in due course, on the frequency of the aarti. Besides, it is imperative to ensure that Kodava folk and traditional artistes are present. Hence, suitable instructions in this regard have been issued to the Department of Kannada and Culture, and also the Muzrai Department,” said Mr. Shivakumar. ‘’During the bagina (offering) at KRS reservoir, I had promised to conduct Cauvery Aarti, and it was now in the process of being launched,” he added.

Mr. Shivakumar said that the 5th phase of Cauvery drinking water supply to Bengaluru has been implemented, and it was a testimony to the river’s bounty. “The Cauvery, which originates in Kodagu, is the lifeline to the people living downstream and along the river banks in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. It quenches the thirst of Bengaluru and other cities and towns. Hence, the first prayer should be offered at Talacauvery and water from here will be taken for the Cauvery Aarti,” he added.