Mekedatu: Karnataka Minister seeks time-bound action plan to fast-track clearances

Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy on Thursday directed senior officials to prepare a time-bound action plan to expedite the process of obtaining various permissions for the proposed Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project. The direction came during a review meeting held by the Minister at his office in Bengaluru.

Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy, who was allotted the Water Resources portfolio on Wednesday, began his tenure by undertaking a detailed review of the project's current status. The meeting covered the present status of the project, the legal challenges it faces, and the measures to be taken to secure the necessary clearances.

The Minister stressed that the Mekedatu project is crucial for ensuring adequate drinking water supply to Bengaluru and its surrounding areas in the coming years. He instructed officials to take necessary steps to move the project forward without delay, while ensuring that the state's interests are protected.

Discussions also focused on the status of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), the clearances required from the Central government and related authorities, and issues pertaining to forest and ecology. The Minister and officials deliberated on strategies to address these issues while safeguarding the state's interests.

The Mekedatu project, which involves constructing a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river in Ramanagara district, has been in the pipeline for several years. It aims to store around 67.2 thousand million cubic feet (tmc ft) of water. The project is intended to meet the drinking water needs of Bengaluru and also generate hydroelectric power. It has, however, faced opposition from the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu, which has raised concerns over the sharing of Cauvery river water. Legal proceedings related to the project are also pending in courts and before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

The Minister emphasised that the project cannot be delayed further as Bengaluru's water requirements continue to grow. He noted that the DPR has been prepared and submitted for necessary approvals, and the focus now must be on getting all clearances expeditiously. He specifically discussed issues related to permissions from the Centre, forest and ecology clearances, and the legal strategy to be adopted to take the project forward while protecting Karnataka's interests.

Officials present at the meeting assured the Minister that a detailed time-bound action plan would be prepared in the coming days. The Minister is expected to hold further consultations with concerned departments and the legal team to ensure that all pending matters are addressed promptly.

The Mekedatu project has been a long-standing demand in Karnataka, with successive governments pushing for its implementation. The state has argued that the project is essential for the drinking water needs of Bengaluru, which has seen rapid urbanisation and a growing population. The project, once completed, is expected to provide a reliable source of water for the city and its suburbs.

However, the project has been entangled in the broader Cauvery water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has maintained that the project would affect its water share under the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, which was later modified by the Supreme Court. The matter is being monitored by the CWMA, which was set up to implement the tribunal's award and ensure compliance.

The Minister's directive to officials marks one of his first significant actions after taking charge of the Water Resources Department. His decision to prioritise the Mekedatu project signals the new government's intent to fast-track a project that has seen multiple delays over the years. The officials have been asked to work in coordination with the Central government and other agencies to secure all required approvals at the earliest.

With the time-bound action plan, the state government aims to bring clarity to the project's timeline and address the various hurdles that have slowed its progress. The upcoming weeks are likely to see intensified efforts by the department to complete the necessary paperwork and legal submissions, keeping the state's interests at the forefront.