Karnataka Renews Push for Mekedatu Clearance, Seeks Nod for Irrigation Projects

Karnataka has once again pressed the Centre to speed up clearances for the ₹16,745-crore Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project, seeking early appraisal and approval of its detailed project report by the Central Water Commission.

The State submitted the DPR along with its compliance report to the Commission on August 13, 2026, and has since been following up for priority clearance. The matter was raised with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil through a letter.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who met the Union Minister, sought Central clearances for a range of irrigation projects so that the State can use its legitimate share of water resources.

In his communication, the Chief Minister conveyed Karnataka's in-principle concurrence to the Godavari-Cauvery Link and the Bedti-Varada (Hirevadatti) Link projects for signing the Memorandum of Agreement with the National Water Development Agency, subject to certain considerations.

Karnataka has asked for a review of its proposed share in these projects and urged the agency to ensure an equitable allocation comparable to what is proposed for other beneficiary States, factoring in the State's requirements and interests in the Krishna and Cauvery basins.

On the ₹21,167-crore Upper Bhadra Project, the Chief Minister sought Central assistance and urged the Jal Shakti Ministry to implead itself before the Supreme Court and seek early publication of the award in the Gazette, which the State says would help it utilise its share of water.

He also requested the Union Minister to recommend to the 16th Finance Commission that the Upper Bhadra Project be brought under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana, so that Central assistance can be released at the earliest.