Karnataka Sets Up Special Team to Speed Up Mekedatu Project

The Karnataka government has moved swiftly to accelerate the Mekedatu Balanced Reservoir Project following a recent Supreme Court order, forming a specialised expert team to ensure speedy implementation. The team will be led by the Director of the Karnataka Engineering Research Station (KERS) and will include senior engineers, technical assistants, and administrative staff, operating from Ramanagara in Bengaluru South district, which will serve as the central hub for project activities.

A dedicated Mekedatu Project office will also be established in Ramanagara to coordinate all administrative and technical aspects. The initiative comes in the wake of a November 18 meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D.K. Shivakumar, where it was decided to create a Chief Engineer and a Superintendent Engineer’s office to accelerate project execution. Due to procedural delays in Finance Department approvals for new posts, the government has entrusted KERS with overseeing the project using its existing workforce.

The team will comprise one executive engineer, six assistant engineers, three technical assistants, an assistant administrative officer, an accounts officer, and supporting staff. The Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited (CNNL) will provide infrastructure, office facilities, and operational funds, while all project-related files and correspondence will be transferred from CNNL to KERS for streamlined execution.

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Mekedatu, meaning “Goat’s Leap,” is a multi-purpose dam and balancing reservoir proposed on the Cauvery River near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district. The project is designed to store about 67 TMC of water for drinking supply to Bengaluru and neighbouring regions, and to generate approximately 400 MW of hydroelectric power, enhancing Karnataka’s water and energy security.

However, the project remains controversial as Tamil Nadu has opposed it, citing concerns over potential reductions in water availability for its farmers and delta region, which rely heavily on the Cauvery for irrigation and livelihoods. In November, the Supreme Court rejected Tamil Nadu’s plea to halt Karnataka from preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR), terming the request premature while affirming that Karnataka must continue releasing Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water as per the tribunal award.

With the formation of this expert team, Karnataka aims to fast-track the Mekedatu project despite inter-state disputes, signalling the state’s determination to boost infrastructure, water supply, and renewable energy capacity. Officials say the initiative will also ensure efficient coordination and monitoring at every stage of implementation.

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