Preparatory Work for Mekedatu Project Finalized, Implementation Awaiting Clearance: Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru, March 7 (NationPress) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared on Friday that his administration has finalized the preparatory work for the Mekedatu project, with plans to execute the project upon receiving the necessary clearances from central authorities.

Tamil Nadu continues to strongly oppose the project's implementation.

During the budget presentation for the fiscal year 2025-26 in the Assembly, he stated: "The preparatory works associated with the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Scheme have been successfully completed. The project will proceed as soon as we secure the required clearances from the relevant authorities.".

Regarding another significant irrigation initiative facing challenges from Goa, the Chief Minister remarked: "We are expecting approvals from the Government of India concerning the use of 3.90 TMC water under the Kalasa-Banduri Canal Diversion Project. The contract has been awarded with specific conditions, and work will begin once we obtain the necessary endorsement from the Central government."

He added that the completion of outstanding works in various projects within the Krishna Valley, Kaveri Valley, and other river valleys will be addressed and finalized within the current year.

CM Siddaramaiah also mentioned that discussions will take place with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to tackle the issue of silt buildup in the Tungabhadra Reservoir, which has caused a reduction in water storage capacity. Decisions regarding the construction of the Navali Balancing Reservoir and alternative solutions will also be deliberated.

Concerning the Yettinahole project, he stated: "As part of the Yettinahole Integrated Drinking Water Scheme, water has been drawn from a gravity canal and supplied up to 32.5 km chainage. This year, water from all 8 available weirs will be lifted and distributed up to 241 km chainage. We are committed to completing the project within the stipulated timeline."

The Chief Minister noted that the allocation of Rs 5,300 crore announced in the 2023-24 Union Budget for the Upper Bhadra Project has not yet been disbursed, but the state government is taking measures to ensure the necessary funding for the project's completion.

Under the Tarikere Lift Irrigation Project, 79 lakes have been filled to offer micro-irrigation facilities to 49,790 acres of land. This year, an estimated Rs 2,611 crore has been allocated to finalize the Chitradurga Branch Canal works, providing micro-irrigation to 1.77 lakh acres across Hosadurga, Holalkere, Jagalur, Molakalmuru, Challakere, and Pavagada talukas by filling 30 lakes, he noted.

Efforts will be made to acquire land in submerged areas due to the elevation of the Almatti dam gates to 524.256 m under the Upper Krishna Phase-III Scheme in a single phase and to disburse compensation through consent awards, he assured. Steps will also be taken to complete remaining works that will provide irrigation to an additional 2.01 lakh acres of agricultural land.

CM Siddaramaiah further announced that in the current year, minor irrigation projects, including the modernization of lakes, dams, and lift irrigation, will be initiated at a total cost of Rs 2,000 crore across the state.