Karnataka will build Mekedatu dam and honour Tamil Nadu water share
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asserted the state will proceed with the reservoir project while ensuring Tamil Nadu receives its stipulated water entitlement.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Saturday that the state will proceed with the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, describing it as a state right and duty. According to The Hindu, Shivakumar assured that Tamil Nadu would receive its stipulated share of 177 TMC of Cauvery water as directed by the Supreme Court.
The Chief Minister responded to opposition from Tamil Nadu leaders, including Congress president Manickam Tagore, by suggesting the neighbouring state send a delegation to Karnataka to understand the project's benefits. He stated he is prepared to take a delegation to the dam site to explain the project.
Shivakumar noted that the state has sought necessary forest and environmental clearances from the Centre and is preparing required documents. He added that all political parties in Karnataka support the project and that the government is ready to move forward once clearances are obtained.
During an interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, Shivakumar also discussed several other state demands. These included seeking the rejection of the Kasturirangan report and requesting equal financial participation by the Centre and the state for Bengaluru Namma Metro projects.
The Chief Minister further discussed Bengaluru's infrastructure with the Prime Minister, highlighting that roads account for only 8 per cent of the city's area. He explained that land acquisition costs nearly Rs 50,000 per square foot, making conventional road expansion difficult.