Karnataka seeks clearances for irrigation projects, including Mekedatu
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A panoramic view of the Cauvery river, flowing through a deep and narrow gorge at Mekedatu, near Kanakapura, in Bengaluru South district. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
Karnataka has again urged the Centre to expedite clearance for the ₹16,745-crore Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project and has sought early appraisal and approval of the detailed project report (DPR) by the Central Water Commission (CWC). The State has also conveyed its in-principle concurrence to the Godavari-Cauvery Link and Bedti-Varada (Hirevadatti) Link projects, subject to certain considerations.
Karnataka submitted the DPR, along with its compliance report, to the CWC on August 13, 2026, for appraisal and has been pursuing the matter with the Commission, seeking priority clearance, according to a letter to Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who met the Union Minister, sought Central clearances for various irrigation projects to enable the State to utilise its legitimate share of water resources.
In his letter, the Chief Minister conveyed Karnataka’s in-principle concurrence to the Godavari-Cauvery Link and Bedti-Varada Link projects to the National Water Development Agency (NWDA) for signing the Memorandum of Agreement, subject to certain conditions. Karnataka has sought a review of its proposed share and urged the NWDA to ensure an equitable allocation comparable to that proposed for other beneficiary States, taking into account Karnataka’s requirements and interests in the Krishna and Cauvery basins.
Seeking Central assistance for the ₹21,167-crore Upper Bhadra Project, the Chief Minister also urged the Jal Shakti Ministry to move and implead itself before the Supreme Court and seek early publication of the award in the Gazette, which would help Karnataka utilise its share of water. He also urged the Union Minister to recommend to the 16th Finance Commission that the Upper Bhadra Project be included under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) so that Central assistance can be released at the earliest.
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