Karnataka has lobbied for the project, citing its importance to shore up drinking water requirements, facilitating hydropower generation and improving regulation of Cauvery water released downstream
A statement issued by Cheluvarayaswamy’s office said the minister told Prasad Karnataka had already submitted its responses to the compliance report sought by CWC. Cheluvarayaswamy is said to have assured the commission that Karnataka would promptly provide any additional technical information or clarifications required during the process of examining the revised detailed project report (DPR) for the project. Bengaluru: Irrigation minister N Cheluvarayaswamy Wednesday met Anupam Prasad, chairperson, Central Water Commission (CWC), in New Delhi and sought expedited clearances for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project along the Cauvery river . He urged CWC to facilitate timely examination of the project and extend necessary technical cooperation to enable its progress. He also shared details on the ground condition at the proposed project site and discussed technical aspects arising from the inspection. Chief minister DK Shivakumar and the Congress govt has projected the Mekedatu project as an essential mechanism to supply drinking water for Bengaluru, which is completely dependent on Cauvery, and neighbouring districts.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Shivakumar said there was consensus on taking the project forward and cited former CM and Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai’s support for the initiative. Dismissing allegations of technical deficiencies in the project’s detailed project report (DPR), Shivakumar said the Centre had only sought clarification on the proposal to earmark 6tmcft of water for Bengaluru’s drinking water needs.