Bengaluru, Nov 18 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees the Water Resources Ministry, announced on Tuesday that a new detailed project report (DPR) will be presented to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) following the Supreme Court's directive.

The Supreme Court recently dismissed the Tamil Nadu government's appeal against Karnataka's Mekedatu dam initiative, emphasizing that Karnataka must allocate the agreed 177 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu annually.

After a meeting with officials and the Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Board of Directors, Shivakumar stated, "During the discussion, we focused on advancing the project in light of the Supreme Court's ruling. We will need to prepare a fresh DPR that details the forest areas that will be submerged. The project office has been established in Harobele, along with a Chief Engineer and Chief Conservator of Forests office in Ramanagara. Necessary staffing will be allocated to these offices."

When asked if a new DPR was required for the CWMA, he mentioned, "The previous DPR was rejected, so we will revise it accordingly and submit it to the necessary authorities as mandated by law."

Regarding opposition to the metro extension to Tumakuru, Shivakumar remarked, "We are investigating the possibilities as local legislators have approached me. We need to assess the feasibility."

Earlier, Shivakumar characterized the Mekedatu dam project as advantageous for both Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry, as well as Karnataka, asserting that the Supreme Court’s decision was a triumph for all states reliant on the Cauvery.

He further noted, "The Mekedatu project benefits Tamil Nadu more than Karnataka, as it enables us to provide the required water to Tamil Nadu. Thus, this Supreme Court verdict is a victory for Tamil Nadu and Pondicherry as much as for Karnataka."

The Mekedatu Dam initiative is a multipurpose project designed to construct a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Karnataka's Ramanagara district. Mekedatu, translating to 'goat's leap,' is a profound gorge located at the junction of the Cauvery river and its tributary, Arkavathi.

This project primarily aims to supply drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding areas, totaling 4.75 TMC, while also generating 400 MW of power.

Tamil Nadu has argued that the Mekedatu dam would drastically diminish water flow downstream, adversely affecting the state's agricultural practices and water supply.

The Cauvery river is vital for Tamil Nadu, sustaining its agricultural communities and fulfilling the drinking water requirements of its populace.

Karnataka asserts that the project breaches the final ruling of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT), which allocated specific water shares to each riparian state, including Tamil Nadu.