Bengaluru, Karnataka: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday reiterated the state government’s demand for a balancing reservoir at Mekedatu across the Cauvery River. He argued that the reservoir is essential to regulate water flow and ensure Karnataka’s share of water is not compromised.

CM raises issue in Assembly

Speaking on the last day of the monsoon session, Siddaramaiah stated that Karnataka has been releasing more water to Tamil Nadu than what is legally required under the Cauvery water-sharing arrangement.

“We have to release 177.25 TMC to Tamil Nadu during normal rains, but we have released more than what we were supposed to. That’s the reason we are insisting on a balancing reservoir at Mekedatu,” the Chief Minister told the Assembly.

Location and project significance

The proposed balancing reservoir is to be built at the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border near Kanakapura in Bengaluru South district (formerly Ramanagara). Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, whose hometown is Kanakapura, has also been vocal about the project, stating that it would help store excess water during monsoon and release it judiciously in accordance with tribunal directions.

Background of Mekedatu project

The Mekedatu project has been a long-standing demand of Karnataka to improve water management and provide drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding districts. However, Tamil Nadu has raised objections, fearing it could affect its share of Cauvery water.

The project, estimated to cost over ₹9,000 crore, has been pending clearance from the Centre and environmental authorities.

Political and legal challenges

While Karnataka maintains that the reservoir will only act as a balancing and drinking water storage facility, Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to prevent its execution.

The issue continues to be a point of contention between the two states, with both citing tribunal awards, Supreme Court judgments and rainfall patterns to support their claims.

Conclusion

With the Chief Minister’s renewed pitch in the Assembly, the Mekedatu project is set to remain a key political and water-sharing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The state government is expected to intensify efforts to secure approvals while managing inter-state concerns.