Karnataka Revives Mekedatu Project, Fresh DPR to CWC Next Week
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Karnataka is set to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir to the Central Water Commission (CWC) next week, after incorporating technical corrections. This move comes as heavy rains have eased immediate water-sharing pressure with Tamil Nadu, allowing the state to focus on its long-pending flagship project. The project is crucial for Bengaluru's drinking water supply and for regulating Cauvery river flows.
Background
The Mekedatu project, proposed downstream of Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, aims to store surplus monsoon flows for regulated release and supply drinking water to Bengaluru. Karnataka has championed it as a long-term solution to recurring Cauvery disputes, but Tamil Nadu has opposed it. The project was a key initiative of CM DK Shivakumar, who led a padayatra in 2022. The CWC had returned the earlier DPR citing deviations from the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award.
Key facts
Karnataka will submit a fresh DPR for the Mekedatu project to the Central Water Commission (CWC) next week, after addressing technical corrections.
The project cost is estimated at Rs 9,000 crore.
The revised DPR will be discussed on Monday or Tuesday before submission, as per Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
The project is proposed downstream of Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.
It aims to store surplus monsoon flows for regulated release and supply drinking water to Bengaluru and nearby areas.
Karnataka maintains the project will not reduce Tamil Nadu's share under the CWDT award.
CWC had returned the DPR citing deviations, including increased consumptive use from 4.7 tmcft (2019 DPR) to 6.9 tmcft (April 2026 DPR), exceeding tribunal allocation.
CWC also questioned the inclusion of the Shivanasamudra run-of-river power project and a diversion weir, not in the original proposal.
CWC sought revised calculations to justify the proposed 59.4 tmcft live storage capacity.
Heavy rain in Kerala and Kodagu has filled Kabini and Harangi reservoirs, easing immediate pressure on releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Prelims pointers
- Mekedatu project: balancing reservoir on Cauvery river, downstream of KRS dam.
- Central Water Commission (CWC): apex technical body for water resources in India.
- Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT): adjudicated the Cauvery water-sharing dispute.
- Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA): body for implementing the tribunal award.
- Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam: major dam across Cauvery in Karnataka.
- Kabini and Harangi reservoirs: key reservoirs in Cauvery basin.
- tmcft: thousand million cubic feet, unit for water volume.
- Shivanasamudra: site of a run-of-river power project proposed in the DPR.
Mains angles
- Discuss the federal challenges in inter-state river water disputes with reference to the Cauvery issue.
- Critically examine the role of the Central Water Commission in clearing major irrigation projects.
- Evaluate the Mekedatu project's potential to resolve recurring Cauvery disputes while addressing environmental and inter-state concerns.