Centre's Conditional Nod for Mekedatu Project; Cauvery Dispute Resolution
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Union Minister V Somanna announced that the Centre has no objection to Karnataka's Mekedatu project, subject to corrections in the Detailed Project Report (DPR). This marks a significant development in the long-standing Cauvery water dispute, as it could pave the way for the project's implementation. The statement also indicates that Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar will work towards an agreement with Tamil Nadu to resolve the dispute.
Background
The Mekedatu project is a proposed drinking water project across the Cauvery river in Karnataka, aimed at supplying water to Bengaluru and surrounding areas. It has been a point of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Tamil Nadu opposing it on the grounds that it would affect the flow of water to their state. The Cauvery water dispute is a decades-old inter-state river water sharing issue involving Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry, adjudicated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and subsequently the Supreme Court.
Key facts
Union Minister V Somanna stated the Centre has no objection to Karnataka's Mekedatu project, but with conditions.
The approval is contingent on corrections to the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the project.
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar will work towards an agreement with Tamil Nadu to resolve the Cauvery water dispute.
The Mekedatu project is a drinking water project proposed across the Cauvery river in Karnataka.
The project aims to supply water to Bengaluru and surrounding regions.
Tamil Nadu has historically opposed the project, citing potential impact on water flow to their state.
The Cauvery water dispute is a long-standing inter-state river water sharing issue involving Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.
Prelims pointers
- Mekedatu project: proposed across Cauvery river in Karnataka, for drinking water supply.
- Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) was established under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
- The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) were formed to implement the final award.
- Article 262 of the Indian Constitution provides for adjudication of inter-state river water disputes.
- The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 is the key legislation governing such disputes.
Mains angles
- Discuss the constitutional and legal framework for resolving inter-state river water disputes in India, with reference to the Cauvery dispute.
- Critically examine the role of the Centre in inter-state river water disputes, especially in the context of the Mekedatu project approval.
- Analyze the challenges in achieving cooperative federalism in water resource management, using the Cauvery dispute as a case study.