Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has made a strong appeal to Tamil Nadu, urging cooperation on the contentious Mekedatu project. He emphasized that the project's benefits extend beyond Karnataka, particularly highlighting its advantages for Tamil Nadu. According to Shivakumar, the Mekedatu reservoir, once operational, would serve as a balancing reservoir that facilitates timely release of water to Tamil Nadu. He underscored the project's significance for residents of Bengaluru, which includes Kannadigas, Tamilians, and Andhrites, stating that drinking water from Mekedatu would benefit all these communities.
Responding to Tamil Nadu's opposition, Shivakumar acknowledged their right to hold an all-party meeting on the matter, drawing parallels with Karnataka's similar initiatives regarding the Cauvery river. Despite differing viewpoints, he stressed the importance of mutual cooperation, emphasizing that the project's benefits would also accrue to Tamil Nadu.
Shivakumar noted the recent increase in rainfall across Karnataka, which has led to higher inflows into the Cauvery basin reservoirs. In response to queries about water release to Tamil Nadu during the ongoing rains, he affirmed Karnataka's commitment to fulfilling its obligations under existing agreements, indicating that water would be released as required when reservoir levels rise.
The Mekedatu Dam project is envisaged as a multi-purpose initiative aimed at providing drinking water and generating power. Located near Kanakapura in the Ramanagara district, it is expected to supply over 4 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water to Bengaluru, addressing critical water shortages that have plagued the city, particularly during recent drought periods. The project's estimated cost is approximately Rs 14,000 crores, covering a significant area of over 5,000 hectares.
However, the project faces opposition from the DMK in Tamil Nadu, which has been vocal in its objections. The DMK manifesto prior to the 2021 Assembly elections explicitly opposed the construction of the Mekedatu dam, pledging to take legal measures to halt its progress. Their stance focuses on protecting the interests of farmers in Tamil Nadu's Delta region and ensuring continued water supply to various parts of the state, aligning with their broader commitments to safeguarding agricultural and environmental concerns.
In conclusion, while Karnataka sees the Mekedatu project as crucial for addressing Bengaluru's water needs and ensuring efficient water management for the region, opposition from Tamil Nadu, particularly from political entities like the DMK, continues to pose significant challenges. The issue remains contentious, highlighting the complexities involved in managing interstate river water disputes and the divergent regional priorities within India's federal structure.
