- Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar assured that the interests of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry would be protected regarding the proposed Mekedatu dam, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
- Shivakumar stated that except for 5 TMC for drinking water requirements, the rest of the water stored in the proposed Mekedatu dam will be for Tamil Nadu.
- He emphasized, "The dam will be built only for you, not us," addressing Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
- During the Southern Zonal Council meeting, Shivakumar highlighted the Mekedatu project as important for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- Mekedatu is a multi-purpose project proposed by Karnataka, involving a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district, aimed at ensuring drinking water for Bengaluru and power generation.
- The project is expected to provide 4.75 TMC of drinking water to Bengaluru and generate 400 MW of power, with an estimated cost of ₹ 9,000 crore.
- In June, a meeting involving Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana was termed a "historic landmark" in inter-state water relations, demonstrating that interstate water issues could be addressed through dialogue.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar assured Tamil Nadu and Puducherry that the Mekedatu dam will primarily serve their interests, committing that only 5 TMC will be reserved for drinking water, while the rest will be allocated to Tamil Nadu.125
"I have given a commitment to the state of Tamil Nadu before the Home Minister that whatever Mekedatu dam water is there, even if there is a single drop of water; except for five TMC for drinking water, the rest of the water will be left to Tamil Nadu itself from the Mekedatu dam; so Tamil Nadu and Puducherry shall be rest assured, the dam will be built only for you not for us," Shivakumar stated.
During a meeting with Amit Shah, he emphasized the importance of the Mekedatu project for both states, advocating for a shift from “water sharing to water cooperation.” He noted that rivers like the Cauvery and Krishna are vital for the southern peninsula and should unite rather than divide states.
Shivakumar also acknowledged the legitimate needs of all riparian states, asserting that Karnataka's rights under tribunal awards must be respected. He called for a separate meeting to amicably resolve water-sharing issues, highlighting the need for reciprocal cooperation.
The Mekedatu project, which aims to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and generate 400 MW of power, has faced opposition from Tamil Nadu, concerned about its potential impact. The estimated cost of the project is ₹9,000 crore (2019 rates).6
"Water must unite us, not divide us," Shivakumar concluded, reinforcing the need for collaborative water management among states.
“Shivakumar also called for a shift from 'water sharing to water cooperation,' citing the June 25 meeting with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana CMs as a 'historic landmark.' He stressed that every riparian state's legitimate needs are accepted, but cooperation must be reciprocal, protecting Karnataka's lawful share under tribunal awards.”
Deccan Herald
