Mekedatu Project: Centre Positive, Karnataka Urged to Secure Water
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai revealed the Centre's positive stance on the Mekedatu project after an all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue. He urged the Karnataka government to ensure drinking water and protect crops. CM DK Shivakumar called the project a permanent solution and advocated talks with Tamil Nadu.
Background
The Mekedatu project is a proposed balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River in Karnataka, aimed at storing excess water for drinking water supply to Bengaluru and other regions. It has been a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Tamil Nadu opposing it over concerns of reduced water flow.
Key facts
BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai said the Centre is positive on the Mekedatu project.
Bommai urged the Karnataka government to secure drinking water and protect standing crops in the Delta region.
CM DK Shivakumar called the project a permanent solution for water issues.
Shivakumar advocated for talks with Tamil Nadu to resolve the dispute.
The all-party meeting on the Cauvery issue was held to discuss the project.
The project aims to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and other areas.
Prelims pointers
- Mekedatu project: proposed balancing reservoir across Cauvery River in Karnataka
- Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) and its final award
- Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC)
- Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956
- Article 262 of the Constitution: adjudication of inter-state water disputes
- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are the main riparian states
- Mekedatu is located in Ramanagara district, Karnataka
Mains angles
- Discuss the federal challenges in inter-state water disputes with reference to the Cauvery issue.
- Critically examine the role of the Centre in resolving inter-state river water disputes.
- Analyze the need for a permanent solution to the Cauvery water dispute and the feasibility of the Mekedatu project.