Mekedatu project: Karnataka to submit DPR to Centre, DKS says TN cannot stop it

Karnataka is set to submit the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for its long-pending Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project, with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar asserting that Tamil Nadu has no legal basis to oppose the project.

Speaking about the project’s progress, Shivakumar said the Karnataka government is fully prepared to move ahead with the Mekedatu dam and is currently identifying alternative land for afforestation to compensate for forest areas likely to be submerged.

Also read: Karnataka seeks to take on TN with revised Mekedatu dam plan

“The Bhoomi Puja for the project will be performed after obtaining permission from the Central Water Commission. The final decision will be taken by the Central Water Commission as per the Supreme Court order,” he said.

Proposed Mekedatu project

The Mekedatu project, proposed across the Cauvery river near Kanakapura, has remained a politically and legally contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for years. Karnataka maintains that the balancing reservoir is primarily intended to address Bengaluru’s drinking water requirements and regulate water flow.

Earlier this year, Karnataka submitted a revised DPR to the Central Water Commission, explicitly stating that the reservoir would be used only for drinking water supply. The report also assured that Tamil Nadu’s allocated share of Cauvery water would not be reduced.

Also read: Centre must clarify stance on Mekedatu: Karnataka deputy CM

According to the revised plan, the proposed dam site is located around 2 kilometres from the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers near Kanakapura to minimise downstream impact on Tamil Nadu.

Shivakumar also acknowledged Karnataka’s obligation under the Cauvery tribunal award to release 177 TMC of water annually to Tamil Nadu. However, he said discussions with experts would be held if deficient rainfall creates challenges related to farmers’ welfare and drinking water supply.

TN’s opposition

Meanwhile, opposition to the project continued from Tamil Nadu. Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) Anbumani Ramadoss on Friday (May 22) urged the Centre not to approve Karnataka’s DPR for the Mekedatu project.

In a statement, he said, "The Tamil Nadu government should press the central government to revoke the 2018 permission that allowed preparation of the draft project report for construction of the Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery without the State's approval."

Referring to Shivakumar's remarks, Anbumai said the claim that Tamil Nadu has no right to oppose the Karnataka government’s plan to build the Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river is "condemnable".

Also read: Mekedatu project: SC rejects Tamil Nadu’s plea against Karnataka

Ramadoss also urged the Tamil Nadu government to press the Centre to revoke the 2018 clearance granted for preparing the DPR without the consent of Tamil Nadu.

Apart from addressing the Mekedatu issue, Shivakumar also highlighted the Siddaramaiah government’s welfare schemes. He dismissed the decades-old myth that visiting Chamarajanagara will result in losing power, asserting that Chamarajanagara is a holy place on the banks of the Cauvery River.

(This article was originally published in The Federal Karnataka)