Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said the proposed Mekedatu dam is the “heart of the southern states” and that his government is ready to hold discussions with Tamil Nadu to take the project forward.
His remarks come a day after the Tamil Nadu government, through the Governor’s address in the Assembly, said it would take appropriate steps to prevent Karnataka from building the Mekedatu dam.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar claimed the project would protect the interests of both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, and that Tamil Nadu would benefit more. He said Karnataka was prepared to release Tamil Nadu’s share of 177 TMC of water, adding that the Central Water Commission should decide on implementing the project.
He also asserted that the dam would be a “balanced storage” and that not even a bucket of water would be diverted for irrigation from the project. According to him, Mekedatu water would be used only to supply drinking water to Bengaluru, citing the city’s growing population and stating that Cauvery was the only viable option.
Shivakumar further said the project could help ensure Tamil Nadu receives its due share during difficult periods and noted that 400 TMC of water had flowed into the sea last year. He added that the project could generate 400 MW of power and insisted the issue should be kept out of politics, framing it as a matter of public welfare in both states.
