New Delhi: Describing the Cauvery water controversy as a "sensitive matter", Deputy
Prime Minister L K Advani on October 13 said Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee
would handle it after his return from the European trip.
Addressing a press conference on completion of three years by the National
Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, he also stressed the need for mobilising the
country's water resources in view of the "worst-drought" witnessed in the country
this year.
"Cauvery water issue is a sensitive matter. Water is sensitive," he said, adding
Vajpayee has been dealing with it personally and after his return he would "like
present tensions to be reduced".
The Prime Minister will get a report from both sides after his return, Advani
said.
He said before Vajpayee left for the trip, a presentation was made to him and the
Cabinet on the need to mobilise the country's water resources.
There was a proposal for Ganga-Cauvery link-up but it was faced with "certain
difficulties", he said.
He said the government then planned to devise two segments, Himalayan and Peninsula
segment, and added that the matter would be pursued after Prime Minister
returns.
PTI
