BENGALURU: Hours after an all-party meeting in Tamil Nadu resolved to oppose the controversial Mekedatu balancing reservoir project in Karnataka, the state government on Monday said it will do everything possible to implement it at the earliest.
Home, law and parliamentary affairs minister Basavaraj Bommai said the Karnataka government is firm on its decision to implement the Mekedatu project. “There is no question of stalling the project. Since it is a drinking water scheme and excess water is being utilised, Karnataka has every right to take it up,” he added.
Stating that Karnataka has already submitted a detailed project report to the Central Water Commission and is awaiting clearance, Bommai urged the Centre to consider the project as per the law. “We are confident that the Centre will do justice to Karnataka by allowing us to take up the project," he said.
He also appealed to Tamil Nadu to realise that the project will be beneficial to both states, especially during distress years. “The final award over sharing of Cauvery water has already come and Cauvery Water Management Authority has been set up to monitor the release of water to Tamil Nadu (such being the case, the apprehension that Tamil Nadu will be deprived of its share of water is uncalled for),” he said.
KPCC president DK Shivakumar urged the state government to show political will to implement the project, saying his party will extend all cooperation.“We need not have to worry about TN’s opposition. They will continue to pose hurdles to the project even if we wait for 100 years. Your party is in power at the Centre. Make use of it and start the project,” Shivakumar said.
