Furore over the Mekedatu project, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu project across the Cauvery river.
• Karnataka plans to construct a ₹9,000-crore drinking water-cum-balancing reservoir at Mekedatu, impounding 67.16 TMC ft of water.
• The project aims to meet Bengaluru's drinking water needs and includes a 400 MW hydropower component.
• Tamil Nadu's opposition stems from a "trust deficit" and the belief that no new projects are permissible on the deficit Cauvery river.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Mekedatu project involves building a reservoir approximately 100 km from Bengaluru, with no irrigation component.
• Karnataka's proposal for a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) followed the Supreme Court dismissing Tamil Nadu's petition to review a November 2025 decision as "premature".
• The Supreme Court's 2018 judgment on the Cauvery dispute had sanctioned an additional 4.75 TMC ft for Bengaluru's drinking water requirements.
• Karnataka argues the dam would also benefit Tamil Nadu by regulating flood flows from Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini to the Mettur dam.
• Tamil Nadu has formally requested the Centre to constitute a tribunal to examine the project, as per the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act.
• The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act requires the Union government to accept a tribunal demand only if negotiations fail.
• A suggested alternative is exploring a dam of similar capacity in Rasimanal, located in Tamil Nadu, to safeguard farmers' interests and Bengaluru's water needs.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Riparian States: States that share a common river system, having rights and responsibilities regarding its water.
• Detailed Project Report (DPR): A comprehensive document outlining the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of a proposed project.
• Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956: An Indian parliamentary act enacted to resolve disputes between states regarding river water sharing.