Madikeri: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday reiterated his push for the Mekedatu dam project amid the ongoing Cauvery water dispute, asserting that the proposed reservoir would not affect Tamil Nadu's share of river water.
The chief minister said his government faces a dual challenge of protecting Karnataka's farmers while complying with legal obligations to release Cauvery water to the neighbouring state.
Invoking rain gods to emerge from the crisis, the CM assured the state's farmers that their livelihood would be kept in mind while taking decisions on the matter.
He also asserted that the state's interests will be protected when it comes to the implementation of the Mekedatu project.
"Our dams have not filled yet. We have two big challenges: Releasing water to Tamil Nadu, abiding by the law, and protecting our farmers. Certainly we will protect the interests of our farmers. It is my duty too," Shivakumar said.
Speaking to reporters after visiting a temple at Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, he said the government has a duty to provide water for drinking and agriculture.
"Depending on the availability of water at dams, we have to release it to farmers for their crops. Our wish is that there should be good rainfall, crops should flourish, and farmers should have food and livelihood," he added.
SC gives nod for Mekedatu dam
Referring to the proposed Mekedatu project, Shivakumar said the Supreme Court has made it clear that there is no objection to constructing a dam within the state's territory. He also claimed that the Union government had conveyed a similar position in Parliament while responding to a question raised by a Tamil Nadu MP.
He further asserted that he and his government were committed to protecting the interests of the state on this matter.
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Mekedatu is a multi-purpose project (drinking water and power) proposed by Karnataka, which involves building a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Bengaluru South district. Tamil Nadu opposes the project, fearing that the state would be affected if it is built.
Reiterating that the construction of the Mekedatu project will not affect Tamil Nadu's allocated share of 177.25 TMC of water, Shivakakumar said, there are separate formulas for water sharing during distress years.
The Cauvery Water Management Authority has issued certain directions. "If there is any crisis, a situation may come where we may have to give the dam keys to the Union Government. That should not happen. We have to protect the livelihood of our farmers and also protect and abide by the law. This is very important. To overcome all these, we need blessings of rain gods and all of us should pray for them," he said.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), which met in New Delhi on August 11 , asked Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water per day starting August 12 for the next 15 days. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), the appellate body, subsequently upheld this decision.
The state government has planned to appeal against the CWMA's order in the Supreme Court.
