The Mekedatu project is the permanent solution to the long-standing Cauvery water issue, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said while speaking about the state’s plans for the proposed reservoir project. He stated that the Supreme Court has already delivered its judgment and that the Central Government has also given its response. He added that Karnataka wants to move the project forward while continuing discussions with Tamil Nadu to find an amicable solution to the Cauvery water dispute.
D.K. Shivakumar Backs Mekedatu Project
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the Mekedatu project remains a priority for the Karnataka government. According to him, the project offers a long-term answer to the Cauvery water issue by improving water storage and management.
He said Karnataka is following the legal process and is confident about taking the project forward. Referring to the legal position, Shivakumar noted that the Supreme Court has already delivered its judgment and that the Centre has also responded on the matter.
Karnataka Wants Talks With Tamil Nadu
While strongly supporting the Mekedatu project, Shivakumar also stressed the need for dialogue with Tamil Nadu. He said Karnataka is ready to continue discussions to find a mutually acceptable solution to the Cauvery water dispute.
The Chief Minister said cooperation between both states is important even as Karnataka continues to pursue the project. He expressed hope that discussions would help reduce differences over the sharing of Cauvery river water.
Why the Mekedatu Project Is Important
The Mekedatu project is a proposed balancing reservoir on the Cauvery River in Karnataka. The Karnataka government says the project will help store excess rainwater, improve drinking water supply for Bengaluru and nearby regions, and regulate water releases more effectively.
However, Tamil Nadu has opposed the project, arguing that it could affect the state’s share of Cauvery water. The issue has remained a major point of disagreement between the two neighbouring states for several years.
Cauvery Water Dispute Continues
The Cauvery water dispute is one of India’s longest-running inter-state river disputes. Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have repeatedly approached courts and central authorities over water-sharing arrangements.
With his latest remarks, D.K. Shivakumar reiterated Karnataka’s stand that the Mekedatu project is the permanent solution to the Cauvery water issue. At the same time, he said the state remains willing to engage in discussions with Tamil Nadu to resolve the matter peacefully.
The Karnataka government is expected to continue pursuing approvals for the project while engaging with the Centre and neighbouring states on the next steps.