• Source:JND
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Bengaluru News: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to dismiss Tamil Nadu’s petition against the Mekedatu project, calling it “a victory for Bengalureans”.

A bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai, Justices K Vinod Chandran and N V Anjaria, termed Tamil Nadu’s petition “premature” and said that the project would be approved only after addressing the state’s concerns and consulting expert bodies, including the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

“Justice has flown from the seat of justice,” he said, stressing that Karnataka was merely claiming its rightful share of Cauvery water. Speaking to news agency PTI, Shivakumar said, “That is what we were requesting, our right and our water. We are not disturbing anyone. Tamil Nadu will also benefit and get sufficient water.”

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Key Details About The Mekedatu Project And How It Will Benefit?

- The Karnataka government’s Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir project involves constructing a dam to provide drinking water to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region and generate hydroelectric power.

- The project is planned near the deep gorge of Mekedatu (“Goat’s Leap” in Kannada), where the Arkavathi River joins the Cauvery, on the border of Ramanagara and Chamarajanagar districts.

- It aims to utilise 4.75 TMC ft of water to meet Bengaluru’s growing water demands while generating approximately 400 MW of hydroelectric power annually.

- According to the officials, the project will act as a buffer, ensuring the neighbouring Tamil Nadu receives its share of Cauvery water without affecting the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam.

- The estimated cost of the project is between Rs 9,000 crore and Rs 14,000 crore, PTI quoted an official as saying.

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Shivakumar, who also holds the Water Resources portfolio, stated that Karnataka would proceed with the project, constructing the reservoir within the state at its own expense. “We will build it in our territory and with our funds. During periods of deficient rainfall, we will also ensure Tamil Nadu receives water. It is, after all, a balancing reservoir,” he said.

When asked whether Tamil Nadu had suffered a setback, he said that the project would benefit not only the residents of Karnataka but also Tamil Nadu, which would continue to receive adequate water. “I urge Tamil Nadu to accept this decision in good faith. Let us cooperate. They have no alternative; they must ensure justice is served,” he added.

(With PTI Inputs)

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