Karnataka identifies 2,500 acres for Mekedatu project land swap
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the land will facilitate the balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery river.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said on Saturday that 2,500 acres of land, including forest land, have been identified as alternative land for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. The project is located across the Cauvery river in Kanakapura taluk of Bengaluru South district, according to The Federal.
The Chief Minister stated that the project would allow Karnataka to store 66 TMC of water to regulate releases during difficult periods. He noted that the state is required to release 177 TMC of water downstream and the reservoir would help manage such situations.
Shivakumar said the Deputy Commissioner of Mandya district has been appointed chairman of a committee to oversee the process. Officials have already held meetings regarding providing alternative land to the Forest Department.
The Chief Minister said the state government will upload details of the alternative land on the forest clearance portal. He expects necessary permissions to be granted after this, with hopes to make progress by the next Budget.
Regarding land acquisition, Shivakumar said only around 500 acres of farmers' land would be acquired. He also mentioned that he had discussed the project with the concerned Union Minister and requested BJP leaders to join efforts to move it forward.