Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed the state’s willingness to engage in discussions with Tamil Nadu about the Mekedatu project across the Cauvery River. He emphasized that despite the project not posing any issues for Tamil Nadu, the neighboring state has not been open to discussions. Siddaramaiah stated that if the Central Government grants the necessary permissions, Karnataka is prepared to implement the project.
Traditional Thanksgiving Ceremony
In a customary gesture, Siddaramaiah, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, several ministers, and officials, offered ‘bagina’ (traditional thanksgiving) to the Cauvery River at the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam in Srirangapatna taluk, Mandya district. This tradition is observed when the dams in the state reach their maximum capacity.
Importance of Mekedatu Project
Siddaramaiah reiterated the state’s right to the Mekedatu project, which involves constructing a reservoir in Karnataka. He highlighted that Tamil Nadu’s objections are unfounded and politically motivated. During years of ample rainfall, Karnataka is required to release 177.25 tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu, but in 2022-23, approximately 665 tmcft flowed into Tamil Nadu. He noted that surplus water, once Mettur dam in Tamil Nadu is filled, flows into the sea. The proposed balancing reservoir at Mekedatu would store this surplus water, benefiting both states.
Political and Legal Context
The Chief Minister criticized opposition parties BJP and JD(S), along with Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, for not securing clearance for the Mekedatu project from the Central Government. He asserted that the project would store 65 tmcft of water, generate power, and provide drinking water for Bengaluru. Additionally, the stored water could be supplied to Tamil Nadu during years of water scarcity.
Appeal for Cooperation
Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister, D K Shivakumar, appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to support the Mekedatu project, emphasizing its benefits for Tamil Nadu.
Project Details and Opposition
The Mekedatu project is a multi-purpose initiative proposed by Karnataka, involving the construction of a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district (Bengaluru South district). Tamil Nadu opposes the project, fearing negative impacts. Once completed, the project aims to provide 4.75 tmcft of drinking water to Bengaluru and neighboring areas, generate 400 MW of power, and is estimated to cost ₹9,000 crore (2019 rates).
Implementation Steps
A separate Project Division and two Sub-Divisions have been established to implement the ‘Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and drinking water project of Cauvery river’ valley. The process of identifying land to be submerged and counting trees has begun. The state government is prioritizing obtaining the necessary clearances to commence work on the project.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the primary purpose of the Mekedatu project?
- A. To generate electricity only
- B. To provide drinking water and generate power
- C. To build a new dam for irrigation
- D. To divert water from the Cauvery River to other states
- Why has Tamil Nadu opposed the Mekedatu project?
- A. Concerns about water shortages in Tamil Nadu
- B. Environmental impact
- C. Political reasons
- D. All of the above
- What traditional ceremony did Siddaramaiah and other officials perform at the KRS dam?
- A. ‘Bagina’ (traditional thanksgiving)
- B. ‘Yajna’ (sacrificial ritual)
- C. ‘Aarti’ (prayer ritual)
- D. ‘Puja’ (worship ceremony)
- How much water did Karnataka release to Tamil Nadu in 2022-23?
- A. 177.25 tmcft
- B. 665 tmcft
- C. 83 tmcft
- D. 400 tmcft
- What is the estimated cost of the Mekedatu project according to 2019 rates?
- A. ₹5,000 crore
- B. ₹9,000 crore
- C. ₹12,000 crore
- D. ₹15,000 crore