The Karnataka government has submitted detailed project report ( DPR) of the Mekedatu project to Central Water Commission ( CWC).
As per the DPR, the total project cost will be Rs 5,900 crore, sources said. Earlier the CWC, nodal agency of the Union Ministry of Water Resources, had cleared the pre-feasibility report submitted by the Karnataka government and asked the state to prepare the DPR.
The Karnataka government has proposed to build a balance reservoir at Mekedatu across River Cauvery. The Rs 5,912-cr project not only helps to store excess water generated in Cauvery basin in Karnataka, but also produce electricity.
If the CWC gives its approval for DPR, then it will be sent to the Ministry of Forest and Environment for green clearance.
Tamil Nadu has been opposing the project alleging that it will deny Cauvery river water to it. However, Karnataka has been claiming that Mekedatu project falls within the territorial limits of Karnataka and therefore, there were no legal impediments for Karnataka in constructing the reservoir.
Tamil Nadu had filed a petition in the Supreme Court opposing the project. The apex court which refused to grant a stay for preparing DPR, has issued notices to the Water Resources Ministry, Karnataka government seeking reply to Tamil Nadu’s plea.