Karnataka CM Backs Mekedatu Project, Seeks Tamil Nadu’s Nod!
Siddaramaiah defends Mekedatu reservoir as crucial for water needs, reviving inter-state debate.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah made a compelling case for the construction of a balancing reservoir at Mekedatu across the Cauvery River, emphasizing its necessity for water management amid ongoing tensions with Tamil Nadu. Speaking on the final day of the Karnataka Assembly’s monsoon session, Siddaramaiah highlighted that Karnataka has consistently released more water to Tamil Nadu than the mandated 177.25 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) during normal rainfall years, justifying the need for the proposed reservoir.
The Mekedatu project, located in Kanakapura, Bengaluru South district—the home turf of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar—aims to store up to 67 TMC of water. Siddaramaiah argued that the reservoir would address critical needs, including drinking water supply and drought mitigation, by storing excess water during years of abundant rainfall, such as the current season when reservoirs across the Cauvery, Tungabhadra, and Krishna rivers are brimming. “We can hold 67 TMC of water, which can help us with drinking water and during drought,” he stated, citing the Supreme Court’s ruling that limits Tamil Nadu’s entitlement to 177.25 TMC.
Addressing Tamil Nadu’s opposition, which centers on potential harm to its agrarian community, Siddaramaiah asserted, “I don’t know why Tamil Nadu is opposing it. There is no harm if the balancing reservoir is built.” He urged his Tamil Nadu counterpart to reconsider their stance, emphasizing the project’s potential to benefit both states through efficient water management.
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The renewed push for Mekedatu reignites a longstanding dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery River water sharing, with the project remaining a contentious issue despite Karnataka’s assurances of compliance with legal obligations.
