The ongoing dispute between Karnataka and the Modi government over fiscal federalism has escalated, with the state accusing the Centre of non-cooperation in implementing key drinking water projects, including Yettinahole, Mekedatu, and Upper Bhadra. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticized the Centre for not releasing Rs. 5,300 crore for the Upper Bhadra Project (UBP), announced in the 2023 budget by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Key Projects in Limbo
The Upper Bhadra Project, a major lift irrigation scheme in central Karnataka, aims to provide sustainable irrigation during the kharif season, recharge groundwater, and supply drinking water to the drought-prone taluks of Chikmagalur, Chitradurga, Tumkur, and Davanagere.
The Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Project (YIDW) is designed to provide drinking water to nearly seven million people in drought-prone districts where groundwater levels are critically low. However, progress has been slow, and the state blames the Union government for not releasing the promised funds.
Bengaluru’s Water Needs
The Mekedatu project, a multipurpose initiative involving the construction of a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district, aims to provide 4.75 TMC of drinking water to Bengaluru and neighboring areas, and generate 400 MW of power. The project is intended to regulate water flow to prevent floods and droughts, benefiting farmers and communities.
Challenges and Delays
Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar had set a 100-day deadline to complete the first phase of the Yettinahole project, but progress has been sluggish. Shivakumar recently announced a detailed plan to pump water from the Nethravathi river, aiming to begin operations on a trial basis.