Karnataka has decided to implement the ₹5,912 crore Mekedatu multi-purpose (drinking and power) project that involves building a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery near Kanakapura in Ramanagaram district.
The contentious project has been opposed by Tamil Nadu on the ground that it violates the Cauvery tribunal order. A Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, gave in-principle approval for the project, which envisages construction of a balancing reservoir with a storage capacity of 66 tmc ft.. The project would ease the drinking water problems of Bengaluru and Ramanagaram districts.
Briefing presspersons, Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister T.B. Jayachandra said the proposed reservoir would utilise excess water after releasing 192 tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu as per the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal. The government would place the project before the Central Water Commission as well as the supervisory committee of the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Environment and Forests for taking clearances.
