Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees Water Resources, is optimistic about laying the foundation stone for the Mekedatu reservoir project within two years. He urged opposition parties to cooperate, citing a favorable Supreme Court ruling in Karnataka’s favor on the project. The state government, in collaboration with the Central Water Commission, is revising the Detailed Project Report for Mekedatu.
Deputy CM Shivakumar highlighted that once the Mekedatu project is finished, Bengaluru’s drinking water needs will be secure for the next 25–30 years. He emphasized the project’s cost-effectiveness, mentioning plans to acquire 600 acres of land and provide alternative land for submerged forest areas. The project is also expected to generate 400 MW of power.
Addressing Bengaluru’s water challenges, the Deputy Chief Minister noted the city’s heavy reliance on the Cauvery river for water supply. He mentioned the completion of the fifth stage of the Cauvery drinking water project after overcoming obstacles and the progress of the Yettinahole project following forest clearance. Bengaluru currently has a water supply capacity of 2,250 MLD, with efforts to address pending issues.
Deputy CM Shivakumar disclosed that a DPR worth Rs 6,000 crore for the sixth stage of the Cauvery project has been approved by the State Cabinet, with anticipated financial support from The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). He also highlighted initiatives to address water scarcity issues, such as controlling the tanker mafia and revising water tariffs after 15 years to prevent losses for the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board.
