A high-level Karnataka delegation led by Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has urged the Centre to fast-track pending water projects, including the crucial Mekedatu reservoir. The demand focuses on water security for Bengaluru and surrounding districts.

  • Immediate clearance requested for the revised DPR of the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project.
  • Demand for gazette notification regarding the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II final order.
  • Urgent need for forest and environmental clearances for Kalasa-Banduri projects.
  • Request for the release of ₹5,300 crore allocated in the Union Budget for the Upper Krishna Project.

BENGALURU: The Government of Karnataka has once again intensified its push for the Central Government to provide immediate clearances for several critical pending irrigation and drinking water projects. The centerpiece of this demand is the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project.

A high-level delegation, headed by Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy, presented these demands during the Departmental Summit – 2026 of the Union Jal Shakti Ministry in Delhi. The delegation highlighted the strategic importance of projects such as Mekedatu, UKP, Kalasa-Banduri, and Upper Bhadra for the state's socio-economic stability.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the resolution of these water disputes and project approvals is vital for the survival of Karnataka's rapidly growing urban centers. The Mekedatu project is particularly critical for ensuring the water security of Bengaluru city and the districts of Mandya, Bengaluru South, and Chamarajanagara. Furthermore, it plays a key role in managing regulated water releases to Tamil Nadu during years of water distress.

The swift approval of the Mekedatu DPR is non-negotiable for the long-term water stability of Southern Karnataka.

Minister Cheluvarayaswamy specifically called upon the Central Water Commission to clear the revised DPR without further delay. Additionally, he urged the Centre to issue a gazette notification on the final order of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II, which would allow the state to utilize its allotted 130 tmcft of water under the third phase of the Upper Krishna Project.

The state also sought immediate forest and environmental clearances for the Kalasa and Banduri diversion projects in the Mahadayi basin. These projects are essential to provide consistent drinking water to the Hubballi-Dharawad Corporation areas. Moreover, the delegation requested the release of ₹5,300 crore previously announced in the Union Budget for the Upper Krishna Project.

Historical Background

Water sharing disputes in the Kaveri and Krishna basins have been a recurring theme in South Indian politics for decades. Projects like Mekedatu are often caught in a complex web of interstate legal battles and environmental assessments, making central intervention a key factor in their realization.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which districts will benefit from the Mekedatu project?
The project is crucial for Bengaluru, Mandya, Bengaluru South, and Chamarajanagara districts.

2. What is the issue with the Kalasa-Banduri projects?
These projects are currently awaiting essential forest and environmental clearances required to provide water to the Hubballi-Dharawad region.

Did You Know?: The Mekedatu gorge is a unique geographical feature where the Kaveri river flows through a narrow canyon.