Karnataka must win over Tamil Nadu to unlock Mekedatu dam project, say experts

Bengaluru: Experts believe the impasse over the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project would not be permanent if Karnataka changes its approach from confrontation to collaboration.

Planned at the confluence of Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers in Bengaluru South district, the Rs 9,000-crore project aims to store 48tmcft of water, supply 4.7tmcft for Bengaluru's drinking needs, and generate 400Mw of hydropower. Karnataka claims the project will help regulate water flow, prevent droughts and floods, and recharge groundwater.

Despite political unity within Karnataka, the project has failed to move forward due to Tamil Nadu's opposition and pending approvals from central agencies. Tamil Nadu fears the dam will reduce its share of Cauvery water.

A 2018 Supreme Court verdict on the Cauvery water-sharing issue did not prohibit Karnataka from building a dam at Mekedatu, but it said any such project must be cleared by Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), which is bound to consider Tamil Nadu's objections.

Although both states are now partners of the INDIA bloc, the dispute remains. For Karnataka, which is battling erratic rainfall and mounting demand in Bengaluru, shelving the project is not an option.

The state assembly has repeatedly passed unanimous resolutions demanding early clearance, escalating tensions with Tamil Nadu. Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar, who led a 168-km padyatra in 2023 ahead of the assembly polls in support of the project, has been less vocal in recent months. He continues to express commitment but blames the Centre for not facilitating inter-state talks or granting approvals.

Experts say Karnataka must reposition the project as a cooperative effort. "This is a project that can move forward but only if Karnataka stops presenting it as a unilateral exercise," said Dr Roopesh Kumar, a retired professor and water policy expert. "It should bring Tamil Nadu into the process. There is room for negotiation under the Cauvery tribunal framework if Karnataka can prove that the project won't affect flows to Tamil Nadu."

Political analyst Vishwas Shetty believes Karnataka's unity on the project offers leverage. "This is a rare issue where all Karnataka parties agree. The state can use that consensus to build pressure on the Centre," he said. "But Karnataka must first assure Tamil Nadu through diplomatic and technical channels that its water share won't be compromised."

JD(S) state chief and Union minister HD Kumaraswamy also urged a direct dialogue between states. "The Congress govt in Karnataka should convince the DMK govt in Tamil Nadu to clear the project. I will then get clearance from Prime Minister Narendra Modi in five minutes," he said.

Tamil Nadu had passed resolutions opposing the project, citing the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, and moved the Supreme Court. "Any construction across the Cauvery by Karnataka will violate both tribunal and court orders," a senior Tamil Nadu official said.

Karnataka maintains Mekedatu is a non-irrigation project and does not threaten Tamil Nadu's allocation of 404tmcft under the tribunal's final award and the apex court's revised 2018 order. Karnataka's allocation is 284tmcft.

A Central Water Commission official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Karnataka must back its case with data. "Karnataka needs to submit a fresh, detailed project report with real-time data on flow, storage, and release mechanisms. If the DPR is watertight and shows that regulated releases will ensure Tamil Nadu's share, the Centre and CWMA may find it difficult to reject."

A senior Jal Shakti ministry official said CWMA could mediate too. "CWMA's role isn't only to monitor releases; it can facilitate coordinated efforts to manage water resources. If both states are willing to discuss safeguards, a resolution is not impossible."