Mandya/Bengaluru: Karnataka will earmark funds for the Rs 16,745 crore Mekedatu balancing reservoir project in its next budget, chief minister DK Shivakumar said, signalling the govt’s intent to push ahead with the project despite strong opposition from Tamil Nadu.The project, which includes a 400 MW hydropower plant, aims to secure drinking water for Bengaluru.Shivakumar made the announcement during the second year of the Cauvery Aarti programme at Krishnarajasagara (KRS) in Mandya. The reservoir irrigates an estimated 37,147 acres, with its network extending to 347 km.A committee headed by the deputy commissioner has been formed to identify 5,000 hectares of alternative land to compensate for forest land that would be submerged by the Mekedatu project.Making a case for better utilisation of Cauvery water, Shivakumar said 341 TMC had flowed into the sea last year, while 177 TMC had to be released to Tamil Nadu. “This year, the country is facing drought, and barring the Krishna dam, no other dam in Karnataka has filled up,” he said.He said the Union water resources ministry had directed officials to invite tenders for desilting the KRS and Tungabhadra reservoirs after a meeting with representatives of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.“Desilting has begun in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where dredging machines are being brought in to remove accumulated silt. The irrigation minister and I will visit Telangana shortly to inspect the initiative and explore ways to prevent water wastage,” he said.The Karnataka govt has earmarked Rs 100 crore for Cauvery Aarti. An open-air stadium is also planned downstream of the reservoir for weekly aarti.Points for gfx:Rs 100CR FOR CAUVERY AARTI* 400 MW hydropower capacity* Drinking water supply for Bengaluru* 5,000 hectares of alternative land to offset forest land submerged* 341 TMC of Cauvery water flowed into the sea last year; 177 TMC released to Tamil Nadu* Rs 100 crore earmarked for aarti; open-air stadium planned downstream of KRS
