Water is a solution. But, where is the solution to a water-problem? It is a 1334 Crore rupee question.

The Hogenakkal Project was formulated in 1997, envisaging the drawal of Cauvery river water and supply of drinking water to over four thousand habitations in the then Dharmapuri District. At that time the project cost was Rs. 576 Crores. It was sent for the Central Government's approval and for submission to the Japanese Government for financial assistance. Five months later, the component of sanitation was included and the cost revised as Rs. 630 Crores. In September 1998, the approval of the Central Government was.got.

Pokhran II in May 1998 and the Japanese Government decided not to finance any project in India. In 2005, the Central Government was approached for resubmission to Japan. By now, the project cost shot up to Rs. 1334 Crores. In February this year, the Japanese Government gave its nod and the Chief Minister laid the foundation .

Rest is history. Yeddyurappa came to Hogenakkal. The assembly passed a unanimous resolution. Karunanidhi made a statement. There were anti-Tamil demonstrations. Anti- Kannadiga demonstrations were held in Tamil Nadu. Buses were burnt. S M Krishna said Karunanidhi had provoked the Kannadigas. Karunanidhi clarified that he did not use any provocative language. The Film actors and actresses in both the States observed fast.

And then came the anti climax. Karunanidhi said the project will be put on hold till a popular Government took over in Karnataka..

Now, the project is as good as having been abandoned. Shall we say it got a decent watery burial?