Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday asserted that the state will proceed with the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. Speaking to reporters, he described the construction as the state’s right and duty, while simultaneously assuring that Tamil Nadu will continue to receive its allocated share of Cauvery water.
Addressing opposition from political leaders in Tamil Nadu, including state Congress president Manickam Tagore, Mr. Shivakumar invited the neighbouring state to send a delegation to visit the project site. He stated that such a visit would allow the delegation to better understand the merits of the project rather than opposing it. He emphasized that his government remains prepared to explain the project’s technical aspects directly to them.
The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that the project should be viewed through the lens of legal compliance and Supreme Court directives, rather than political rivalry. He pledged that Karnataka would respect the Supreme Court-mandated entitlement of 177 tmcft of water for Tamil Nadu. Mr. Shivakumar noted that all political parties in Karnataka have expressed support for the initiative.
Regarding the project's current status, he confirmed that the state government has sought the necessary forest and environmental clearances from the Centre and is in the process of preparing required documentation. One of the ongoing issues involves meeting the Union government's requirement to provide compensatory land for forest areas that would be submerged by the reservoir.
During a recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr. Shivakumar advocated for seting aside political differences to focus on development. He also sought faster clearances for pending state infrastructure proposals and requested the Centre's support regarding the rejection of the Kasturirangan report.
Key facts
- Karnataka maintains it will uphold Tamil Nadu’s entitlement of 177 tmcft of Cauvery water.
- The Mekedatu project is currently awaiting forest and environmental clearances from the Union government.
- Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar invited a Tamil Nadu delegation to inspect the dam site personally.
- The state is addressing the requirement to provide compensatory land for submerged forest areas.
- Mr. Shivakumar stated that all political parties in Karnataka support the construction of the reservoir.
Why it matters
The Mekedatu project remains a persistent source of friction between the two states. While Karnataka officials argue the dam is necessary for water management and state development, political and farming groups in Tamil Nadu have expressed concerns regarding water sharing and the potential impact on their agricultural interests.
Background
The Cauvery water dispute is a long-standing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with the Mekedatu balancing reservoir serving as a significant point of contention regarding water rights and project feasibility.
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