Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Friday said his government is prepared to hold discussions with the Tamil Nadu government regarding the Mekedatu dam project.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Reddy said Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the project was not justified, asserting that the proposed reservoir is meant entirely for drinking water supply to Bengaluru and nearby districts. He said the water from the project would not be diverted for any other purpose.
Reddy claimed that if the 4.75 TMC Mekedatu project is implemented, Bengaluru would receive 4.75 TMC of drinking water, and around 400 kilowatts of electricity could also be generated. He said these details have been clearly stated in the project plan.
He also pointed out that Tamil Nadu’s petition against the project in the Supreme Court had already been dismissed, and that review petitions were rejected twice. Despite this, he said, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has called for protests against the project.
Reddy said Karnataka does not seek “even a drop” more than its allocated share of water and argued that the project would not create problems for anyone. He added that Karnataka has discussed the issue with a Union minister and has requested Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister to come for talks.
