Karnataka Says Mekedatu Won’t Cut Tamil Nadu Share
Karnataka has reiterated that the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir will not reduce Tamil Nadu’s legally allocated share of Cauvery water, saying only around 4.75 TMC will be used for Bengaluru’s drinking water needs while downstream releases will continue in accordance with the Supreme Court’s 2018 order.
Karnataka Defends Mekedatu Drinking Water Project
The Karnataka government maintains that Mekedatu is primarily a balancing reservoir and drinking water project rather than an irrigation scheme.
Under the current proposal, around 4.75 TMC of Cauvery water is intended for Bengaluru Metropolitan Region and surrounding areas. The project also envisages generation of around 400 MW of hydroelectric power.
Karnataka argues that water stored in the reservoir would help regulate monthly releases to Tamil Nadu, particularly during periods of uneven rainfall.
Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery Share to Remain Protected
The Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment requires Karnataka to ensure 177.25 TMC of Cauvery water reaches Tamil Nadu at Biligundlu during a normal water year.
Karnataka has maintained that the Mekedatu reservoir will operate within this allocation and will not be used to claim additional irrigation water.
The state says the project could improve its ability to release the required quantum downstream by storing excess flows during periods of heavy rainfall.
Mekedatu Dam Remains Cauvery Flashpoint
Tamil Nadu continues to strongly oppose the project, arguing that an upstream reservoir could give Karnataka greater control over Cauvery flows and potentially affect water availability during distress years.
The project still requires statutory and technical clearances before construction can proceed.
The Mekedatu dispute therefore remains one of the most contentious issues in Karnataka-Tamil Nadu water relations despite Karnataka’s assurances over downstream releases.
