The State government is looking into the possibility of taking up the controversial drinking water-cum-power generation project across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu with the twin objective to quenching the thirst of people in Bangalore and surrounding places and generate power.
Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, Law Minister T B Jayachandra said the government is exploring the possibility of constructing three small hydel reservoirs instead of one planned originally. Obtaining the environment clearance from the Centre will be easy if the project is modified. The Advocate General and the technical cell of State Water Resources department have been directed to prepare a detailed report on legal and technical issues, he added.
A 500-MW capacity Mekedatu hydel power generation project was first proposed way back in 1967. The proposed reservoir would store up to 50 tmc ft of water.
The aim was to utilise the Cauvery river water before it reaches Tamil Nadu. But, the Tamil Nadu government had opposed it. Besides, the project could not get the environment clearance from the Centre as it requires about 4,000 acres of forest land.
Expert panel
A state government-constituted expert committee headed by former Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) chairman B N Thyagaraja had in 2011 recommended to take up Mekedatu project to meet the growing demand for drinking water in Bangalore.
The Minister said the final award of the Cauvery River Water Disputes Tribunal has stated that riparian States can utilise the river water for drinking water and power generation purposes. So, now Tamil Nadu cannot raise objection to the proposed Mekedatu project, he added.
Hemavathi canal
Jayachandra, who is also Tumkur district in-charge minister, said the government is planning to seek financial assistance from the Centre to take up upgrading of drinking water canal for Tumkur. The district has been allocated 26 tmc ft of water from the Hemavathi river for drinking water purpose.
But, the actual utilisation is only about 16 tmc ft. Upgrading of the canal, which is estimated to cost Rs 700 crores, is necessary for the complete utilisation of water, he added.