New Delhi/Bengaluru, Sep 2 (PTI) Karnataka has stepped up its efforts to advance the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project across Cauvery river, with Water Resources Minister N Chaluvarayswamy holding a high-level meeting with CWC Chairman Anupam Prasad in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on the statutory and technical approvals required for the project and on the comprehensive Compliance Report submitted by the Karnataka government in response to the observations and technical issues earlier raised by the CWC on the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR).
Chaluvarayswamy urged the Central Water Commission (CWC) to facilitate the timely examination of the project and extend the necessary technical cooperation to enable its progress, the minister’s office said in a release.
He also assured the Commission that the Water Resources Department would promptly provide any additional technical information or clarifications required during the examination process.
The discussions assume significance following the recent site inspection of the Mekedatu Project by CWC Member Yogesh Paitankar. The Karnataka delegation shared details of the ground conditions at the proposed project site and discussed the technical aspects arising from the inspection.
The minister underlined the growing importance of Mekedatu in addressing Bengaluru’s long-term drinking water requirements, particularly against the backdrop of increasing water demand, rainfall variability and periods of water stress.
The proposed balancing reservoir is envisaged to support the drinking water needs of Bengaluru and neighbouring districts, facilitate hydropower generation and improve the management and regulated release of water downstream.
Chaluvarayswamy also highlighted the potential importance of the project during years of rainfall deficit, stating that improved water storage and regulation would help strengthen water management while facilitating the regulated release of water downstream in accordance with applicable requirements.
The Karnataka government reiterated its strong commitment to taking the Mekedatu Project forward and requested the Central Water Commission to complete the ongoing technical examination at the earliest, in accordance with established procedures, the release said.
The delegation included Gaurav Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary, Water Resources Department; Krishnamurthy Kulkarni, the Department’s Secretary, and other officials.
The meeting marks another significant step in Karnataka’s efforts to secure the necessary technical clearances and advance the Mekedatu Project, the release added.
Mekedatu is a multi-purpose project (drinking water and power) proposed by Karnataka, which involves building a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Bengaluru South district. Tamil Nadu opposes the project, fearing that the state would be affected if it is built. PTI KSU KH
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