Centre should clarify its stand on Mekedatu: Karnataka Deputy CM

Bengaluru, Feb 26: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has urged the Central government to clarify its stance on the long-pending Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery River. During his visit to Delhi on Tuesday, Shivakumar, who also handles the Water Resources portfolio, raised the issue with Union Minister C R Patil and Minister of State V Somanna.

Addressing reporters, Shivakumar emphasized the need for a definite response from the Centre. “What is your stand on the Mekedatu issue? Whether they support or oppose it, they must make their position clear,” he said. He added that the state government had submitted a proposal to push the project forward and urged the Centre to convey its stance to the Supreme Court for the benefit of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Mekedatu Project and Tamil Nadu’s Opposition​

The Mekedatu project, estimated at ₹9,000 crore (2019 rates), aims to provide 4.75 TMC of drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding areas while generating 400 MW of power. However, Tamil Nadu has strongly opposed the project, arguing that it could affect its water supply. Shivakumar, however, dismissed these concerns as politically motivated, stating, “They fear we will create problems, which is not the case.”

Pennar River and Tungabhadra Dam Issues​

Apart from the Mekedatu project, the Karnataka government is also pushing for discussions on utilizing excess Pennar River water, as 300–400 TMC of water has been flowing into the sea unused. Shivakumar highlighted that he had presented multiple proposals during the recent Water Vision-2047 Conference in Udaipur, Rajasthan, alongside Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge.

The Deputy CM also raised concerns regarding 30 TMC of silt accumulation in the Tungabhadra Dam, causing significant water losses for Karnataka. He proposed constructing the Navale Dam and has already initiated discussions with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh officials. Shivakumar confirmed that Union Minister Patil assured Centre’s approval if all concerned states reached an agreement.

Kalasa-Banduri and Almatti Dam Projects​

Shivakumar reiterated Karnataka’s demand for a gazette notification allowing the Almatti Dam’s height to be raised to 524 feet. He also discussed the Kalasa-Banduri Canal Project, which aims to provide drinking water to drought-prone regions in North Karnataka.

Irrigation Projects and Future Plans​

Karnataka has submitted proposals worth ₹11,122 crore, focusing on modernizing dam infrastructure, automating canals, and implementing advanced safety measures. The state’s technical team has recommended postponing the Tungabhadra Dam de-silting due to high costs while prioritizing efficient water utilization.

Shivakumar will return to Delhi on March 18 for further discussions and is scheduled to meet Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu on March 1 to finalize agreements on irrigation projects.

With Karnataka pressing ahead on multiple water resource initiatives, all eyes are now on the Centre’s response, particularly regarding the contentious Mekedatu project.