Chief Minister DK Shivakumar says the Supreme Court has upheld the state's right to build the reservoir.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday said the state is committed to implementing the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. Speaking to reporters in Hassan after visiting the Goddess Hasanamba temple, Shivakumar stated that Karnataka does not require permission from Tamil Nadu to proceed, citing a Supreme Court verdict.
The Chief Minister noted that the project is subject to the release of 177 TMC ft of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. He said the reservoir would provide benefits to both states and invited Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to send a team for discussions.
According to reports from The New Indian Express and Economic Times, the project aims to meet drinking water needs for Bengaluru and generate 400 MW of electricity. Shivakumar mentioned that Karnataka has identified 5,400 acres of forest land for compensatory afforestation and will submit an application once the process is complete.
The remarks follow a letter from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which he urged the Centre not to grant approvals for the project without the consent of co-basin states. Vijay expressed concerns regarding the rights of lower riparian states and the protection of water shares for farmers.
Shivakumar said Karnataka's leaders are united on the issue, including those from the BJP and NDA. He added that the Supreme Court had already dismissed Tamil Nadu's petition regarding the project.
The Chief Minister said he has held discussions with the Union Jal Shakti ministry and intends to meet the Prime Minister soon. Approval from Union environment and forest authorities remains pending.
