Karnataka not in a position to release water to AP: DVS Gowda

Karnataka on Tuesday said it is not in a position to release water to Andhra Pradesh from Narayanpur dam in view of the drought situation in the state.

"When the state is reeling under severe drought, how is it possible to release water to Andhra Pradesh? We have already clarified our stand in this matter and Andhra Pradesh should understand our real difficulties",Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda told reporters at Inchageri village, 45 km from Bijapur.

Gowda said the government was seriously contemplating waiving farmers' loans. "We are studying drought situation in detail and will soon take a decision on the matter," he said.

The Chief Minister said government has so far spent Rs412 crore on drought relief work. Three teams comprising 15 ministers would visit the drought hit areas every 15 days to monitor relief work and report the situation to government, he said.

Gowda said crop worth Rs4,248 crore had been lost due to drought and the government has already sought relief from the Centre.

He said Karnataka expected Maharashtra to release two tmc ft of water soon to tide over the water scarcity in some drought hit districts.