Mekedatu project will take up once CMB gives clearance: Bommai
Belagavi: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai informed Legislative Assembly that the Mekedatu drinking water project will be taken up once Cauvery Monitor Board gives clearance.
“Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has given permission to take up the project while rejecting the plea of Tamil Nadu government, however, CWMA has directed state government to take approval from Cauvery Monitoring Board to take up the project. The CMB has held two meetings, but no decision has been taken yet. I have met the Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat to decide the matter at the earliest. Minister has promised to give clearance for the project. Once CMB gives the clearance we will proceed with calling tender”, Mr. Bommai replied to the question of Congress member Sharath Bachegowda
“There is no question of going back our decision of implementing the drinking water scheme. Regarding environmental clearance, I have discussed it with Union Minister for Environment. Notwithstanding the objection of the Tamil Nadu government, Karnataka is committed to implementing the Mekedatu project”, Mr. Bommai said.
“Terms and reference of the Environmental ministry will comply and Ministry has agreed to give the clearance for the project. We are seriously following the status of the project. Once CMB gives clearance, works will be commenced”, Chief Minister assured the House.
Karnataka Power Corporation has first initiated the power project in Mekedatu by using surplus water. It has also prepared DPR for the same, then Water Resources Ministry has taken up the project both hydro and drinking water scheme DPR has changed several time and Rs. 25 crores has been spent for preparing DPR. After the Cauvery Tribunal order came, we have decided to use our surplus water for drinking water purposes. We have also made it clear to CWC that this project will not be used for irrigation purposes and assured water will be shared with Tamil Nadu during distress time, but Tamil Nadu is objecting to the project, Mr. Bommai explained.
Earlier, KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar, Congress member Krishna Byregowda urged the state government to implement the project as early as possible. Mr. Shivakumar has also stated that KPCC has organized Padayatra from January 9th to 19th from Mekedatu to Bengaluru to urge the state government to implement the drinking water project.
