Mekedatu: Deve Gowda concerned about lack of info on action taken by CWMA

Bengaluru, Mar 24  While discussions on the Mekedatu Project have taken place in CWMA meetings, former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda has expressed concern about the lack of information regarding action taken by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
He highlighted the need for designated reservoir operation studies in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to align with the directives of the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal.
The Ex-PM also emphasised the importance of evidence-based decision-making and proactive measures by relevant authorities in the implementation of the Mekedatu project.
Earlier, Deve Gowda had communicated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Jalashakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, urging immediate action on various fronts. This includes appointing an independent agency for integrated reservoir operation studies and devising a distress formula that considers multiple factors influencing water availability and usage.
Furthermore, Deve Gowda had called for the formation of a committee comprising independent experts to assess ground realities at reservoir sites. He had also emphasised the importance of regular visits by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) to evaluate reservoir conditions.
Technical evaluations, including the submission of a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to authorities like the Central Water Commission (CWC) and CWMA, have been carried out, according to Deve Gowda.
Concerns raised by Tamil Nadu have been addressed with studies indicating available water balances at Biligundlu and admissions made by Tamil Nadu counsel regarding the necessity for water management infrastructure.
"I had written a letter to the PM and Honorable Jalashakti Minister requesting them to direct the CWMA to carry out periodical designated reservoirs operation studies both in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu to ascertain the ground reality and water utilisation by both the states as per the orders of Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal. However, I have yet to receive the information on the action taken by CWMA," he rued.
Deve Gowda clarified that the Mekedatu Project is primarily aimed at serving as a balancing reservoir to provide drinking water to Bengaluru City, with no irrigation component involved. He emphasised that the project could also benefit Tamil Nadu by regulating water releases, potentially alleviating water-related issues in the state.
The Mekedatu project aims to cater to the increasing water demands of Bengaluru City while also regulating water release to Tamil Nadu, particularly during periods of low water availability.