Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah celebrated a legal victory as Tamil Nadu’s petitions against the Mekedatu project were dismissed by the Supreme Court. The state is now gearing up to advance the long-pending project, with plans to submit a revised Detailed Project Report to the Central Government for approval, including the use of forest land.
The Mekedatu Project, a proposed Rs 9,000-crore venture on the Cauvery river, aims to provide 4.75 TMC of drinking water to Bengaluru and generate 400 MW of power. Additionally, progress was announced on the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project, with the completion of the first phase of lift irrigation works and plans for a balancing reservoir near Vaderahalli.
CM Siddaramaiah criticized the Centre for delays in the Bhadra Upper Bank Project despite Karnataka’s substantial investment. He also resolved a long-standing land dispute at Abbinahole village, paving the way for the completion of the Chitradurga branch canal and its feeder works by 2027.
In North Karnataka, under the Upper Krishna Project Stage-III, the Almatti dam’s height will be increased to enhance irrigation capabilities. The government has approved revised compensation rates for land acquisition related to the project, with plans to begin the acquisition process soon.
Efforts are underway to increase the Almatti Dam’s height to 524.256 meters, aiming to irrigate 5.94 lakh hectares. The replacement of deteriorated gates at the Tungabhadra dam and the consideration of a balancing reservoir near Navali are part of the government’s strategies to address storage capacity issues.
Regarding the Kalasa-Banduri Nala projects, Siddaramaiah highlighted ongoing efforts to secure forest clearance for the initiatives, emphasizing that work will commence promptly upon approval. The delay in approvals is causing financial strain on the state government due to the projects’ awarded contracts.
