Mekedatu: CWC seeks revised DPR, flags consumptive use above allocated share
The Central Water Commission (CWC) has asked Karnataka to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water Project, after observing that the project's proposed consumptive use of water exceeds the allocation under the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) Award.
In a letter dated June 29 to the State government, the CWC said the DPR, which was modified on April 21, must be realigned with the tribunal's award and the commission's observations. The project, planned in Bengaluru South District (formerly Ramanagara District), is intended to supply drinking water to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region and its adjoining areas.
Karnataka first submitted the DPR to the CWC in January 2019, proposing 4.75 tmcft of additional consumptive use. However, the revised scheme submitted on April 21 added the Shivanasamudra Run-of-River Power Project, which involves constructing a diversion weir across the Cauvery, and raised the proposed consumptive use to 6.95 tmcft.
The CWC pointed out that the Supreme Court, in its order dated February 16, 2018, finalised a total consumptive use of 6.5 tmcft for Karnataka's urban and rural population. This quantum includes the present consumptive use. The commission observed that the present consumptive use may be higher than the 36-year-old figure of 2.9 tmcft. Even if that old figure is taken, the balance available for additional use would be only 3.6 tmcft or less, not the 6.95 tmcft proposed in the revised scheme.
"It is to mention that present consumptive use may be more than the 36-year-old consumptive use of 2.9 tmcft. If even 36-year-old consumptive use of 2.9 tmcft is considered, the balance quantum of only 3.6 tmcft or less than that can be proposed to be utilised instead of 6.95 tmcft as proposed in the revised scheme," the CWC stated in the letter.
The commission also questioned the basis for determining the live storage capacity of 59.46 tmcft for the proposed reservoir, describing it as "not seem to be appropriate." It has asked Karnataka to resubmit the DPR in compliance with the CWDT Award and its observations, incorporating updated details and drawings in line with CWC guidelines for appraisal of irrigation and multipurpose projects.
Reacting to the development, highly placed sources in the Karnataka government described it as a procedural matter. "We have already made appropriate revisions as suggested by the CWC and there should be no reason for worry," a source said. The State has maintained that the project will help regulate flows to Tamil Nadu, noting that nearly double the quantum of water stipulated by the Supreme Court has flowed downstream during several good monsoon years.
Tamil Nadu has opposed the project, arguing that it is detrimental to its interests. However, the Supreme Court, in its order on November 13, refused to entertain Tamil Nadu's application against the project, terming the objection premature. The Court observed that Karnataka would remain bound to release the share of Cauvery water allotted to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
The Cauvery water dispute is among India's most longstanding inter-state river conflicts, with the CWDT Award and subsequent Supreme Court orders defining the water-sharing framework among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry. The CWC, as the apex technical body for river projects, plays a crucial role in appraising DPRs, and its observations are critical to the approval process. The latest directive means Karnataka will have to revise its plans to ensure the project's water use remains within the State's legal entitlement while addressing the drinking water needs of Bengaluru.
