Why in the news?
Recently, Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa said that his government would go ahead with the long-pending Mekedatu dam project in the Cauvery Basin.
What is Mekedatu dam project?
- Originally proposed as a hydropower project, the revised Mekedatu dam project has more than one purpose to serve.
- The project envisages the construction of a reservoir of 67.16-tmc ft capacity, which will come up about 4 km away from the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.
- A hydropower plant of nearly 400 MW has also been proposed.
- The estimated cost of the project is Rs. 9,000 crore.
- The Karnataka government has also said that the proposed reservoir will regulate the flow to Tamil Nadu on a monthly basis.
Why Tamil Nadu is opposing the Mekedatu dam project?
- As per an estimate, around 80 tmc ft of water flows annually to Tamil Nadu. The state feels that Karnataka will impound and divert flows of Cauvery river from “uncontrolled catchments” to it.
- Tamil Nadu has also argued that Karnataka has adequate infrastructure even now to address the water needs of Bengaluru, there is no need for the Mekedatu project.
- The Mekedatu project also does not find mention in the Tribunal’s final order or the Supreme Court judgment.
