Why in the news?
- Karnataka has decided to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River.
- The Supreme Court termed Tamil Nadu’s challenge as “premature”, enabling the CWMA and CWC to examine the project.
Location & River
- Mekedatu is located in Ramanagara district, ~100 km from Bengaluru.
- The project is proposed on the inter-State Cauvery river.
- Karnataka = upper riparian; Tamil Nadu = lower riparian.
Why Does Karnataka Want It?
- Bengaluru water demand:
- Present: 2,600 MLD
- Supply: 2,100 MLD → shortage of 500 MLD
- Population to reach 20 million in 6 years → demand may rise to 4,000 MLD.
- Shivakumar argues Mekedatu will ensure regulated release to Tamil Nadu, even in poor rainfall years.
Why Is Tamil Nadu Opposed?
- Trust deficit due to the history of Cauvery disputes.
- Concern: Karnataka may store more water and release it selectively.
- TN argues the project violates the 2018 SC judgment and Cauvery Tribunal’s final award.
Centre’s Position
- 2019: Karnataka submitted DPR → CWC → CWMA.
- MoEFCC (2019): Sought an “amicable solution” due to inter-State dispute.
- 2024 (Feb): CWMA referred DPR back to CWC after deliberations.
- Now: DPR to be examined afresh; CWMA/CWC can facilitate dialogue.
Constitutional & Legal Angle
|
| Recently, linking of which of the following rivers was undertaken? (2016)
(a) Cauvery and Tungabhadra (b) Godavari and Krishna (c) Mahanadi and Son (d) Narmada and Tapti |
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