Recently, Karnataka has demanded approval of the ‘Detailed Project Report’ (DPR) on ‘Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project’ by ‘Cauvery Water Management Authority’ (CWMA) in its next meeting.
Related case:
Tamil Nadu is opposing Karnataka’s move to build a reservoir on the Kaveri River at Mekedatu. The Karnataka government, however, maintains that there is no “threat” from the Mekedatu project and the project will be taken up by the state.
Solution:
Meanwhile, the central government has said that permission of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) is necessary for this project.
The ‘Detail Project Report (DPR) sent by Karnataka has been placed before the CWMA several times for approval, but due to lack of consensus between the respective states, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, Couldn’t happen the issue has been discussed.
Also, as per the final decision of the ‘Cauvery Water Disputes Authority’, which was amended by the Supreme Court, the ‘Detailed Project Report’ (DPR) by the ‘Ministry of Jal Shakti’ first seeks the approval of the CWMA Necessary.
Since the project is proposed across an inter-state river, it is also necessary to obtain the approval of the downstream states for the project as per the ‘Interstate Water Dispute Act’.
About Mekedatu Project: The Hindu Analysis
‘Mekedatu’ is a multipurpose (Water and Electricity) project.
Under the project, a ‘Balancing Reservoir’ is proposed to be constructed near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district of Karnataka.
The objective of this project is to store and supply drinking water (75 TMC) for Bengaluru city and its adjoining areas. It is also proposed to generate about 400 MW of electricity through this project.
The estimated cost of the project is Rs.9, 000 crore.
Reasons why Tamil Nadu opposed the project: The Hindu Analysis
Tamil Nadu maintains that as per ‘Supreme Court’ and ‘Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’ (CWDT) ‘the existing storage facilities available in Cauvery basin are sufficient for water storage and distribution, therefore this proposal of Karnataka is prima facie untenable.
According to Tamil Nadu- The proposed reservoir is not being constructed for drinking water only, but will increase the irrigation limit, which is a clear violation of the ‘Cauvery Water Dispute Judgment’.
Decisions given by the Tribunal and the Supreme Court: Today Current Affairs
The ‘Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’ (CWDT) was constituted in the year 1990 and in its final judgment in the year 2007, Tamil Nadu was given 419 TMC ft., Karnataka 270 TMC ft., Kerala 30 TMC ft. and Puducherry 7 TMC feet water was distributed. The tribunal, in rain deficient years, will reduce the quantum of water allocation for all states.
However, both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka expressed displeasure over the division and there were protests and violence in both the states over water sharing. After this the matter was heard by the Supreme Court and in the year 2018 judgment, dividing the pre-determined portion of Tamil Nadu, 14.75 TMC feet of water was given to Karnataka.
Thus, as per the new distribution, Tamil Nadu got 404.25 TMC feet and Karnataka was given 284.75 TMC feet. The share of Kerala and Puducherry remained unchanged.
In this article we mention all information about Mekedatu Dispute- Today Current Affairs. The Hindu Analysis.
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