PUNE, May 29: In an oblique reference to objections raised by neighbouring Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh over Maharashtra's irrigation projects in the Krishna valley, Deputy Chief Minister Gopinath Munde today asserted that the State was firm on impounding its share of Krishna waters by the year 2000.

``None should be averse of Maharashtra's endeavours,'' Munde said speaking at a rally of Irrigation Department employees at Daund on Wednesday.

It may be recalled that Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh governments have charged Maharashtra with lifting more than its share under the tripartite water sharing accord of 1975.

Maharashtra has already renounced 5 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) water of its share for Chennai city. This was done at the instance of the Prime Minister, Munde said, adding that the Maharashtra government has embarked upon construction of 140 small and medium irrigation projects to impound the rest of its share.

The Maharashtra Krishna Valley Development Corporation has floated the bonds to raise Rs 3500 crore for the ambitious project. The bonds released during the previous economic year were oversubscribed fetching Rs 1150 crore, Munde said adding that the Corporation would release more bonds during the months to come.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.