The Minister of State for Jal Shakti told MP Kamal Haasan that the detailed project report for the Mekedatu reservoir has been sent back for revisions, but the updated version has not yet arrived. This hold‑up could affect water allocation and inter‑state relations in the Cauvery basin.

Key Takeaways

  • Original 2019 DPR returned for revision.
  • Revised DPR not yet received by CWC.
  • Compliance with CWDT award and Supreme Court judgment is pending.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhury, told Rajya Sabha MP Kamal Haasan that the detailed project report (DPR) for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and drinking‑water scheme, submitted in 2019, was sent back to the project authority for revisions to meet the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award and Central Water Commission (CWC) guidelines.

The ministry confirmed that, to date, the revised DPR has not been received by the CWC, delaying the techno‑economic appraisal required before any further clearance.

The CWC evaluates DPRs of water‑resource projects in the Cauvery basin in line with the CWDT award and the Supreme Court’s February 2018 judgment, ensuring that state‑level proposals adhere to national standards.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the pending DPR hampers water‑allocation decisions, potentially affecting drinking‑water supply for millions in Karnataka and downstream Tamil Nadu, while also stalling inter‑state negotiations.

“Without an updated DPR, the Cauvery Tribunal cannot legally sanction water releases, risking a breach of the Supreme Court’s directives.”

Historical Background

The Mekedatu project, envisioned as a balancing reservoir to divert Cauvery water for Bengaluru’s drinking needs, has been a flashpoint in Karnataka‑Tamil Nadu water disputes since its proposal in 2007. The CWDT award of 2018 set specific guidelines for reservoir capacity, environmental clearances, and inter‑state water sharing.

Did You Know?: The Cauvery basin supplies water to over 30 million people across three states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: When is the revised DPR expected?
The ministry has not announced a concrete timeline; officials cite the need for meticulous compliance checks.

Q2: What are the consequences if the DPR remains delayed?
The project cannot receive final clearances, which could postpone water supply augmentation for Bengaluru and exacerbate inter‑state tensions.