Mekedatu Project – Karnataka Government Prepares for Centre Approval Process
Mekedatu Project – Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday announced that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the long-pending Mekedatu balancing reservoir project will soon be submitted to the Union government for clearance.
Speaking to reporters near Kollegal helipad and the Madhyaranga temple, Shivakumar said the state administration has already completed major groundwork related to the proposed project. He added that officials are now identifying alternative land parcels to offset forest areas likely to be affected once the project moves ahead.
DPR Submission Expected Soon
According to Shivakumar, the state has already established a dedicated office for the Mekedatu project and completed preparation of the DPR. He stated that the government intends to forward the report to the Centre shortly for further approval.
He explained that the ceremonial launch of the project, including the bhoomi puja, would take place only after receiving formal clearance from the Union government. The Karnataka government has also begun the process of locating compensatory land to address environmental concerns linked to forest submergence in the proposed project area.
Cauvery Water Sharing Remains Key Concern
Addressing the long-standing Cauvery river dispute, Shivakumar referred to the existing direction regarding the release of 177 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu. He said the matter would continue to be discussed in the coming days to find a workable solution.
The Deputy Chief Minister also pointed to earlier observations made by the Supreme Court regarding the Mekedatu proposal. According to him, the court had indicated that Tamil Nadu could not directly object to the project and that the Central Water Commission would ultimately take a decision on the proposal.
Government Highlights Welfare and Administrative Reforms
Shivakumar said the Congress government in Karnataka has completed three years in office and claimed that the administration has fulfilled the commitments made to voters during the Assembly elections.
He highlighted the implementation of the state’s five guarantee schemes and spoke about an additional initiative named the “Bhu Guarantee.” Under this initiative, property records are being updated with beneficiary photographs and asset details to streamline door-to-door khata services.
The Deputy Chief Minister said the government’s focus has been on improving public services and strengthening trust between citizens and the administration. He also indicated that more welfare and governance initiatives would be introduced during the remaining term of the government.
Focus on Farmers and Water Management
Referring to weather conditions, Shivakumar noted that Karnataka has received favourable rainfall during the past two years. However, he said the state government is preparing contingency plans in case rainfall levels decline this year.
He stated that discussions are underway on measures to protect farmers from potential rain shortages and to ensure drinking water availability in vulnerable regions. Water resource planning and agricultural stability, he said, remain priority areas for the government.
Chamarajanagar Visit and Regional Development
During his visit, Shivakumar dismissed the long-held superstition that political leaders lose power after visiting Chamarajanagar district. He described the district as a historically and spiritually important region situated along the Cauvery river.
Calling the belief baseless, he said faith and devotion should not be linked to political outcomes. He also praised the district’s religious sites and natural surroundings, describing them as valuable cultural assets.
Temple Renovation and Industrial Growth Plans
The Deputy Chief Minister said several temple renovation projects are currently being carried out jointly by the government and private contributors. He added that many ministers attended the regional events despite Cabinet responsibilities scheduled elsewhere in the state.
Shivakumar also spoke about broader development efforts in the region, including industrial expansion and infrastructure initiatives. He said the government had honoured its earlier commitment by providing jobs to family members of those who lost relatives during the oxygen supply tragedy.
GBA Elections and Leadership Question
On the upcoming Greater Bengaluru Authority elections, Shivakumar said the Election Commission would conduct the polls according to schedule, while the state government would extend complete cooperation for the process.
When reporters asked about his future political ambitions and the possibility of becoming chief minister, Shivakumar responded briefly, saying that time would determine the outcome.