CMB FORMATION: CENTRE SEEKS 3- MONTH EXTENSION

The Centre has asserted in the Supreme Court that notifying the constitution of Cauvery Management Board during the time when Assembly elections in Karnataka has been announced by the Election Commission would lead to massive public outrage, create serious law and order problem and may vitiate the election process.

In its application for modification of the February 16 judgment granting six weeks for framing a ` scheme’, the Centre therefore sought three months extension for implementation of the judgment.

It said Cauvery is a very emotive issue in Karnataka and in the past the issue has led to serious law and order situations leading to avoidable loss of human lives and property. If the Central government were to constitute a ` scheme’ under Section 6 A of the Inter State Water Disputes Act and notify it during the currency of the assembly election it would lead to massive public outrage, cause serious law and order problems and vitiate election process. The Centre also explained the steps taken after the February 16 judgment, it said the government discussed the modalities for framing the scheme. In the Bhakra Beas Management Board the operation, maintenance, regulation and control including ownership of the dam is with the BBMB. But in the case of Narmada Control Authority the regulation and control of Narmada waters remain with the respective States.