Bellary:
The Thungabahdra reservoir will be desilted on an experimental basis in July. The government would hold discussions next week with Technofo Firm, which would be taking up the de-silting work, Minister for Water Resources Basavaraj Bommai on Tuesday.
Speaking to reporters, he said it has been estimated that about 28 thousand million cubic feet (tmc) of silt has accumulated in the reservoir, bringing down the storage capacity.
Refusing to join issue with Shiv Sena Chief Bal Thackery who opposed Maharashtra releasing water to Karnataka, he said "the water issue should be viewed on humanitarian grounds".
Maharashtra government would take a decision on releasing two tmc of water in about two days, he said.