What Is Karnataka's Mekedatu Project & Why Tamil Nadu Is Opposing It?

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday called the Cauvery protests and Bengaluru bandh as 'politically-driven' and expressed concerns about the politicization of the issue, stating that it is detrimental to the state's well-being.

The Chief Minister, presently in Mysuru, additionally suggested that the Mekedatu Project could potentially serve as a solution to the ongoing water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

So, what is the project all about?

A pet project of the Karnataka government, the Mekedatu drinking water project is a major drip irrigation project for sugarcane cultivators, bringing more water-parched lands under it.

Incidentally, Karnataka has the second largest tract of dry land after Rajasthan.
The project will provide drinking water to Bengaluru and the towns in the Cauvery basin, but at the cost of 2500 acres of forest land that would be submerged. Presently, the Cauvery water is pumped from Torekadanahalli, which is 100 km from the city. It is being touted as a potential solution to the longstanding water dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Understanding the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu Water Dispute

The water-sharing conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu is over a century old, with both states claiming rights over the river Kaveri, which is a primary water source for multiple districts in both states. The proposed Mekedatu project, which intends to enhance the water storage capacity, provide adequate water for both states, is seen as a measure to defuse this dispute.

Potential Impact of the Mekedatu Project

The Mekedatu Project proposes to construct a reservoir, which would have a capacity of 67.16 TMC feet. The reservoir is to be built at a proposed cost of Rs 9000 crore. This could potentially provide drinking water to Bangalore and Ramanagar district along with generating around 400 MW of power. It is expected to regulate the water flow to Tamil Nadu in the lean season and improve water use efficiency.

Current Status of the Mekedatu Project

Currently, the Mekedatu Project is in the initial phases and awaiting various approvals for implementation. Having received a green signal from the Karnataka government, the project now needs approval from the Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. However, the project is facing strong opposition from Tamil Nadu, with claims that it violates their water rights and potentially deprives them of their due share.

The Mekedatu Water Project is an attempt to resolve a longstanding interstate water dispute through the means of infrastructure and water resource management. While the project's fate hinges on multiple factors, it underlines the need for effective sharing of limited resources in a manner that respects the needs and rights of all stakeholders. The way this situation unfolds will likely have significant implications for similar disputes elsewhere.