What Are the Next Steps for the Mekedatu Project After the Supreme Court's Ruling?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Karnataka government is gearing up to act on the Supreme Court's favorable verdict on the Mekedatu project. Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasizes the importance of uniting party leaders for an all-party meeting to ensure a cohesive approach in the next steps.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government to hold an all-party meeting.
- Supreme Court ruling favors the Mekedatu project.
- Focus on collaboration among political leaders.
- Engagement with CWMA, CWRC, and CWC is essential.
- Implementation of the project is a priority.
Bengaluru, Nov 23 (NationPress) In light of the Supreme Court's favorable ruling on the Mekedatu project, Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who oversees the Water Resources department, announced that the government will organize an all-party meeting to deliberate on the court's decision with party leaders and MPs in Delhi.
"We will advance the project. It's essential to meet with our leaders in Delhi, inform all our MPs, and convene an all-party meeting," he stated.
While addressing the media in Bengaluru, Shivakumar remarked, "I will consult with the Chief Minister. We need participation from all MPs. We'll decide whether the meeting should occur in Bengaluru or Delhi. With the Parliament session approaching, the Chief Minister and I will meet to finalize our approach and make a decision."
He further emphasized, "Initially, we will assess our strategy. If a delegation is necessary in Delhi, it's a matter for the state. We will invite all leaders of the BJP, including the Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and JD-S leaders. The Supreme Court's judgment has mandated that we implement it without delay."
Shivakumar added, "Going forward, our state will engage with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), and the Central Water Commission (CWC). There are no pending cases in the Supreme Court regarding this matter."
He mentioned, "Today, we received the court's judgment copy concerning the Mekedatu project. We will move forward with the implementation in the coming days. An all-party meeting is necessary, and we need to form a delegation for Delhi. All issues must be settled before the CWMA and CWC, with no intention of revisiting the court."
Earlier, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal from Tamil Nadu seeking to halt operations on the approval granted for developing a detailed project report for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water project.
The apex court stated that no other state holds the right to interfere with decisions regarding the management and utilization of water allocated to a specific state unless such actions diminish the water allocation.
Tamil Nadu had approached the Supreme Court requesting a stay on the Central Water Commission's permission granted on November 22, 2018, to Karnataka Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd., a state entity, to initiate the preparation of a detailed project report for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water project.
Point of View
The Mekedatu project's progression showcases the complexities of inter-state water disputes in India. The Karnataka government's proactive approach underlines a commitment to utilizing the Supreme Court's ruling constructively, promoting dialogue among political factions. This development could set a precedent for future water management strategies across states.
NationPress
22/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Mekedatu project?
The Mekedatu project is a proposed balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project aimed at utilizing water from the Cauvery River for the benefit of Karnataka.
What was the Supreme Court's ruling on the project?
The Supreme Court ruled in favor of Karnataka, allowing it to proceed with the preparation of a detailed project report for the Mekedatu project.
What steps will the Karnataka government take next?
The Karnataka government plans to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the Supreme Court's order and strategize the implementation of the project.
Why is an all-party meeting important?
An all-party meeting is crucial to ensure consensus among political leaders and effectively address inter-state water management issues.
How does the ruling affect Tamil Nadu?
The ruling confirms that Karnataka has the right to manage its allocated water resources without interference from Tamil Nadu.
