Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Feb 26: The Karnataka government has formally requested the Union government to clarify its position on the implementation of the Mekedatu project, a significant initiative by the Congress-led state administration that has faced opposition from Tamil Nadu.

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who also oversees the Water Resources Department, addressed the media in Bengaluru, stating, "We have urged the Union Government to clarify its stance on the Mekedatu project. There should be no further delay in decision-making. We need to know whether the project will be approved or not."

He emphasized the project's potential benefits for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, asserting, "This project should benefit both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu."

Regarding the Pennar River issue, Shivakumar noted ongoing disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and inquired about the possibility of resolving these conflicts through negotiations.

He further highlighted the need for effective utilization of water resources, stating, "Last year, 300 TMC of water flowed into the sea, and the year before that, it was 400 TMC. We must utilize this water effectively."

Addressing concerns about water levels in reservoirs ahead of the summer season, Shivakumar assured, "There is no need to worry about drinking water. For agricultural use, we are implementing necessary controls."

Discussing the Navali Dam Project in collaboration with Andhra Pradesh, he explained, "With silt accumulation in the Tungabhadra dam, around 30 TMC of water is being wasted. Hence, there is a plan to construct a parallel dam near Navali."

Shivakumar mentioned ongoing discussions with ministers and officials from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, as well as with the Union Minister, to address the project. He added, "The Union Minister suggested that we hold discussions and reach a consensus, assuring that if both states agree, there will be no objections."

He also revealed plans to meet Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu in the first week of March to discuss alternative approaches proposed by the technical advisory committee, although he refrained from disclosing details publicly before these discussions.

Regarding the Krishna Upper Basin Project and the Alamatti Dam, Shivakumar noted that the Union government has yet to issue a gazette notification. He urged expediting this process to enable Karnataka to utilize its allocated water share, stating, "We have urged them to expedite the notification so that we can utilize our share of water."

Concerning the Kalasa-Banduri project, he mentioned that forest department approval is still pending. He reiterated previous efforts, including meetings with the Prime Minister and Union Minister of Jal Shakti, to expedite the approval process.

Addressing opposition to river interlinking projects, Shivakumar asserted, "Let anyone oppose it. For us, the interests of our state and farmers come first. When implementing government projects, cutting trees is inevitable, but for every tree removed, we will plant four new trees."

He acknowledged that discussions on the specific volume of water requested under the river interlinking projects are still in the preliminary stages, awaiting the technical committee's report.

Shivakumar concluded by reiterating the state's commitment to securing its rightful share of water resources, stating, "We have submitted a proposal to the Union Minister of Jal Shakti regarding various irrigation projects in the state, amounting to Rs 11,000 crore, along with a request for clarity on the Union Government's stand on the Mekedatu project."

These statements underscore the Karnataka government's proactive approach in addressing water resource management and inter-state disputes, seeking timely resolutions to ensure equitable distribution and utilization of water resources for the benefit of its citizens.