Karnataka seeks faster CWC clearances for Mekedatu reservoir plan

Irrigation Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy met Central Water Commission chairperson Anupam Prasad in New Delhi on Wednesday, pressing for faster clearances for Karnataka’s Mekedatu balancing reservoir project on the Cauvery.

The minister told the commission that the state had submitted replies sought in a compliance report and would provide further technical information or clarifications needed while the revised detailed project report is examined, his office said. The meeting also covered conditions at the proposed site and technical points arising from a recent site inspection by CWC member Yogesh Paitankar.

For Bengaluru, the project is tied to the city’s reliance on Cauvery water. The Karnataka government has described Mekedatu as a way to strengthen drinking-water supply for Bengaluru and neighbouring districts, generate hydropower, and regulate downstream releases. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said the Centre sought clarification on the proposal to reserve 6 tmcft for Bengaluru’s drinking-water requirements.

The project received support from parties at an all-party meeting in Karnataka last month. Tamil Nadu, a lower riparian state, has opposed it. The next immediate step is the CWC’s examination of the revised project report and Karnataka’s responses.