Hubbali: MLC Basavaraj Horatti has lamented that the people of North Karnataka region are disappointed with the delay in taking steps by the government with regard to Kappatagudda and Mahadayi issues.

In a letter written to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Mr Horatti sought steps to undo the injustice being done to the people in both the issues.

It may be mentioned here that the Kappatagudda is hanging fire since last many months. The trouble began when the State government, bending to pressure from the mining lobby to mine for gold in the Kappatagudda, removed the conservation reserve tag given to the Kappatagudda forest, which has scores of medicinal plants.

As for the Mahadayi issue, North Karnataka has been demanding the implementation of the Mahadayi project, which is designed for supplying drinking water to the major Cities in North Karnataka. Once this project is implemented, the water crisis in the major towns and Cities would be solved permanently.

Mr Horatti had told the chief minister that, the Kappatagudda has rare medicinal plants, and all have the responsibility to protect it. Mahadayi water can quench the thirst of lakhs of people in the region, while diversion of water from Mahadayi basin to Malaprabha river is essential to protect the interests of farmers and others, he said.

Interests not protected

"The government's attitude in both the issues indicate about a conspiracy to protect the interests of only a few. The government declared Kappatagudda as a conservation reserve, and withdrew the tag later. The Wildlife Board had empowered the chief minister to take a decision with regard to the Kappatagudda issue. But, due to delay in taking a decision, some followers of these capitalists obtained stay from the court," he said.

The government should seriously act over the issue, and again bring the Kappatagudda under the conservation tag, he demanded.

Mahadayi issue

Referring to the Mahadayi issue, Mr Horatti said, the government has also not properly responded to the continuous agitations by the people in North Karnataka over the Mahadayi issue.

He pointed out that water from the Mahadayi is being sought by Karnataka for drinking water purpose in the towns and cities of North Karnataka. Moreover, the State is seeking permission to divert a very little quantum of water from the Mahadayi, which would not be a burden for Goa, he added.

Protecting land, water and language is the responsibility of all. People in the region have expectations from the government, but it has not been responding properly, he said. The government is also not understanding the seriousness of injustice being done to the people of the region in the Mahadayi issue. The chief minister has not taken a bold decision in both Kappatagudda and Mahadayi issues, though there were lot of expectations, he noted.

During the budget session of the State Legislature, special discussion should be held over Kappatagudda and Mahadayi issues. The chief minister should take a bold and pro-people decision, to undo the injustice being experienced by the people of North Karnataka region, Mr Horatti added.