Bengaluru, March 26 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who is also in charge of the Water Resources Ministry, announced on Thursday his optimism that the foundation stone for the contentious Mekedatu balancing reservoir project will be laid within a two-year timeframe while requesting support from the opposition parties within the state.

During the discussion in the State Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar remarked that the Supreme Court had issued a landmark ruling favoring Karnataka concerning the Mekedatu initiative.

"I express my gratitude to the Bench through this House. The court noted that there should not be any objections when a project is initiated within one’s own territory. Utilizing this observation, we presented our case, leading to the dismissal of Tamil Nadu's petition," he stated.

He further explained that the state government is collaborating with the Central Water Commission to develop a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR).

"Upon the completion of the Mekedatu project, Bengaluru will not experience any drinking water shortages for the next 25 to 30 years," asserted the Deputy Chief Minister.

Characterizing the initiative as economical, Deputy CM Shivakumar mentioned the acquisition of approximately 600 acres of land, while alternative land will be allocated for the forest regions that will be inundated.

"The project will also produce 400 MW of energy. Even my own land in the Assembly constituency will be submerged. There is nothing to be done about it. I am positive that we will perform the 'bhoomi pujan' within two years," he urged, calling for support from opposition parties.

Reflecting on the construction of Vidhana Soudha, he recalled that even prisoners were involved in its building, and materials used were once contested, with footwear thrown at the then Chief Minister Kengal Hanumanthaiah. "Such incidents are documented. In politics, some throw eggs, while others present garlands," Deputy CM Shivakumar recounted.

Discussing Bengaluru's water challenges, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that it remains one of the city’s most significant issues.

"Unlike many major cities situated near seas or rivers, Bengaluru primarily relies on the Cauvery river for its water supply," he explained.

He mentioned that the fifth phase of the Cauvery drinking water initiative had encountered delays but was ultimately finished after overcoming challenges.

The Yettinahole project, which faced forest clearance hurdles, has now received the necessary approval to proceed.

Deputy CM Shivakumar noted that Bengaluru currently has a water supply capacity of 2,250 MLD, with 1,850 MLD already added and 400 MLD still pending.

"We have enabled residents to make installment payments to acquire water connections," he added.

A DPR valued at Rs 6,000 crore for the sixth phase of the Cauvery project has been sanctioned by the State Cabinet, with financial backing anticipated from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar shared that out of 15,000 borewells in the city, about 7,500 have run dry in the past two years.

"We have initiated measures to control the tanker mafia. Water tariffs, which had remained unchanged for 15 years, have now been raised to avert losses for the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board. Water is also being distributed through initiatives like Sarala Cauvery and Mobile Cauvery," he mentioned.

Additionally, the Deputy Chief Minister reassured that the state government would uphold its promises to farmers concerning the Upper Krishna project.

"We are dedicated to providing water. Although financial hurdles exist, the state government will discover a solution," Deputy CM Shivakumar stated.

He was addressing a resolution proposed by State Law Minister H.K. Patil in the State Legislative Council concerning the Alamatti situation.

He indicated that discussions had taken place in New Delhi, where the governments of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra raised objections.

"Legal strategies were deliberated with the Chief Minister's Legal Advisor Basavaraj Rayareddy, Ministers M.B. Patil, H.K. Patil, the State Advocate General, and legal experts, and we are resolved to protect the state's interests," Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar concluded.