Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, also overseeing the Water Resources Ministry, expressed gratitude for the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Tamil Nadu’s review petition against the Mekedatu project. He deemed this development as positive for Karnataka. The decision on the project now lies with the Central government, with Karnataka working on submitting the revised Detailed Project Report.
Shivakumar highlighted that the Supreme Court had previously directed Karnataka to release 177 TMC of water allocated to Tamil Nadu, subject to specific conditions. The Mekedatu project, a bone of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, pertains to a proposed reservoir and drinking water initiative across the Cauvery River at Mekedatu.
The project is crucial for providing drinking water to Bengaluru and nearby areas, along with hydroelectric power generation, as per Karnataka’s stance. Karnataka assures that Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery water share won’t be impacted and that it will adhere to relevant tribunal awards and court directives. However, Tamil Nadu has vehemently opposed the project, fearing adverse effects on water supply to its farmers in the Cauvery delta region.
The ongoing dispute has led to political and legal clashes between the two states, with Tamil Nadu insisting on consent from lower riparian states and environmental clearances for Karnataka to proceed with the project.
