Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has said that the state is ready to hold talks with Tamil Nadu over the long-pending Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project. He said he is willing to discuss the matter with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay at any time.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru after casting his vote in the Legislative Council elections, Shivakumar said both states should rise above politics and focus on the welfare of their people.
“Of course, I am ready to sit and talk to them any time. I have no objection. Whether it is Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, we are all Indians. We all depend on the same river and the same water. Cauvery water is needed for agriculture, drinking, animals, birds, industries and everyone,” Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru.
He added that water is needed for irrigation, drinking purposes and industrial use, and that people from both states live and work across Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Project Will Benefit Both States, Says Shivakumar
Shivakumar noted that the Congress party is an ally in the Tamil Nadu government and said discussions would certainly take place. Describing the project as the “heart of South India”, he said, “The project is not close to my heart alone, but protects the interest of both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Supreme Court has stated that the decision on the project should be made by the Central Water Commission.” Stating that this was a balancing reservoir, he said that not a single bucket of water will be used for irrigation. “It will be used only to supply drinking water to Bengaluru since the city’s population is growing. We cannot bring water from Krishna.”
Explaining the benefits of the project, he said the proposed balancing reservoir would help Karnataka regulate water releases and ensure that Tamil Nadu receives its allocated share even during difficult periods.
According to him, the reservoir would help guarantee Tamil Nadu’s share of 177 TMC of water. Water could also be released when required to districts such as Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagar and Tumakuru.
‘Important for the Entire Southern Region’
Shivakumar said the Mekedatu project is not only important for Karnataka but for the whole of southern India.”We are committed to releasing 177 TMC of water, as ordered by the Supreme Court. We have to protect Tamil Nadu’s farmers,” the Karnataka CM added.
He also stressed that Karnataka has a responsibility to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu’s farmers while meeting Bengaluru’s growing drinking water needs.
Project Often Viewed Through a Political Lens
Shivakumar argued that the project has often been misunderstood in Tamil Nadu’s political debates.
“See, for the entire Tamil Nadu political establishment, this (Cauvery water sharing dispute) has been a political agenda for the last 40-50 years. I do not want to interfere in their politics,” he remarked.
He added that Karnataka has consistently complied with court orders regarding water releases and believes development projects within Karnataka should not face unnecessary opposition.
