Karnataka urges Centre to give early clearance for pending irrigation and drinking water projects including revised DPR of Mekedatu

Bengaluru, Karnataka – On Tuesday, a high-level delegation led by Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy urged the Central government to expedite clearance for various pending irrigation and drinking water projects, including the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. The delegation met at the Union Jal Shakti Ministry's Departmental Summit-2026 in Delhi.

The Mekedatu balancing reservoir project is vital for ensuring water security in Bengaluru city and surrounding districts, as well as regulated releases to Tamil Nadu during distress years.

Cheluvarayaswamy emphasized the need for immediate clearance of the revised detailed project report (DPR) for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, which is crucial for water management in the region. He also requested the Central Water Commission to promptly issue a gazette notification on the final order of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II, allowing the State to utilize its allotted 130 tmcft of water from the Upper Krishna Project's third phase.

Moreover, the Minister demanded forest and environmental clearance for the Kalasa and Banduri diversion projects planned in the Mahadayi basin to provide drinking water to Hubballi-Dharawad Corporation areas. Additionally, he called for the release of ₹5,300 crore allocated in the Union Budget for the Upper Krishna Project, alongside endorsement by the Public Investment Board for revised estimates.

Cheluvarayaswamy, along with Minister of State for Water Resources Eshwar Khandre, discussed these matters with Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil during the summit.