Bengaluru Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday said he was ready to hold talks with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C.K. Joseph Vijay anytime on the long-awaited Mekedatu Balanced Reservoir and Drinking Water Project, saying the two states should leave politics aside and focus on the interests of their people.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said he had no reservations about engaging with Tamil Nadu and described the Cauvery as a shared river whose waters should serve people of both states.
“I am ready to talk to Tamil Nadu anytime regarding the Makidatu project. I have no reservations in this regard. Be it Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, we are one nation and one people. We all depend on the same river water. Water is essential for irrigation, drinking purposes and industrial use,” he said.
The river also preserves animals, birds and plants, Shivakumar said, and said the close relationship between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu makes cooperation essential. He pointed out that many people from Tamil Nadu work in Karnataka while many from Karnataka live and work in Tamil Nadu, adding that the issue should not be looked at in a narrow perspective.
He added that the Congress, which is part of the ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu, will continue discussions on the project. “The Congress is an ally of the Tamil Nadu government and we will definitely hold discussions. This project will benefit both the states. We must move forward patiently, keeping in mind the interests of the people of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Explaining the proposal, Shivakumar said the balancing reservoir will help Karnataka regulate water release while ensuring that Tamil Nadu continues to receive its allotted share of 177 TMC during periods of distress. He said it would also enable water release when needed to areas including Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagar and Tumakuru.
“The advantage of building a balanced reservoir is that it will help us ensure Tamil Nadu’s share of 177 TMC water even in times of crisis. Water can be released to areas like Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagar and Tumakuru when needed. The project will benefit both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Describing the proposal as important beyond Karnataka, Shivakumar said that Makidatu would serve the interests of south India as Karnataka remains committed to releasing 177 TMC waters to Tamil Nadu as directed by the Supreme Court.
“Mekedatu is not only close to my heart, it is important for the whole of South India. In fact, the project will benefit Tamil Nadu as much, if not more, as it will benefit Karnataka as we remain committed to releasing 177 million tonnes of water as directed by the Supreme Court,” he said.
Shivakumar said Karnataka was obligated to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu farmers while meeting Bengaluru’s growing drinking water needs. He reiterated that the tank will not divert additional water for irrigation beyond what is permitted.
“We have to protect the farmers of Tamil Nadu. Mekedatu is a balanced reservoir. Not a single bucket of water or even a bucket of water can be diverted for irrigation beyond what is permissible. The project is primarily for drinking water purposes. Bengaluru’s population is growing rapidly, and the city needs additional water resources. We cannot bring water from the Krishna river basin; the Cauvery remains our main source,” he said.
He said Karnataka had consistently complied with the court-directed water release and remained committed to releasing Tamil Nadu’s allocated share. Referring to the legal process, Shivakumar said the Supreme Court heard Tamil Nadu’s arguments, dismissed the review petitions and referred the matter to the Central Water Commission for technical assessment. The project will be built within Karnataka, does not require any financial assistance from Tamil Nadu, and will generate about 400 MW of electricity and enhance drinking water security in the long term, he added.
Shivakumar accused some political parties in Tamil Nadu of raising objections on electoral grounds and wondered what remained unresolved after the Supreme Court ruling.
“For their political survival, some people continue to raise this issue. After a three-judge Supreme Court ruling, what is still to be discussed? Haven’t we already agreed to release 177 TMC from the waters to Tamil Nadu? MPs from Congress, BJP and JD(S) will continue to fight for Karnataka’s interests on this issue,” he said.
