Cauvery aarti is a government programme, not political one: Karnataka Deputy CM D. K. Shivakumar

Conduct of Cauvery aarti at Sankey tank was decided after inspecting several places. Many public events have taken place at Sankey tank, including Kannada Rajyotsava and birthday celebrations of an MLA, he said.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the government of Karnataka will launch a month-long water conservation campaign along with Cauvery aarti on March 22 at Sankey Tank in Bengaluru.

On March 20, he told reporters that Cauvery aarti is a government programme, and not a political one. The government has planned to organise the Cauvery aarti at Sankey Tank, along with a water conservation campaign. “This will be purely a government programme, but some have moved the court. We will argue our case in the court.”

Conduct of Cauvery aarti at Sankey tank was decided after inspecting several places. Many public events have taken place at Sankey tank, including Kannada Rajyotsava and birthday celebrations of an MLA, he said.

“March 22 is World Water Day. Hence, we have decided to launch a month-long water conservation campaign. Many people are using drinking water to wash cars, water plants and gardens. We will be conducting an oath-taking event to stop misuse of water. Earlier, we had announced that Cauvery aarti will be done at KRS. But, Cauvery aarti will be conducted at Sankey tank as part of World Water Day,” Mr. Shivakumar said.

On some local BJP leaders moving court, the Deputy CM said, “We will put forward our point of view in the court. I appeal to the public to participate in this event in large numbers. We need to create awareness about water conservation.”