Archive · 15 Nov 2025
Karnataka Opens Mekedatu Division After SC Rejects Tamil Nadu's Plea
Two states, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, are arguing about a river.
Karnataka wants to build a dam to store water for its big city and make electricity.
Tamil Nadu is worried this will mean less water for them.
They asked a big court, the Supreme Court, to stop Karnataka.
The court said no, Karnataka can prepare plans.
After the court's decision, Karnataka's leader said they are now officially starting work on the dam by creating a special team.
He also met with farmers who were worried about losing their land.
Karnataka's leader insists the dam will help their city get drinking water and make power, and promised Tamil Nadu will still get its fair share of water from the river.
Karnataka has opened a dedicated division for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project and directed officials to begin work following the Supreme Court's decision.
The Supreme Court rejected Tamil Nadu's plea to halt the project, with Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar calling the opposition political.
The Mekedatu project aims to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and generate 400 MW of power.
Tamil Nadu has been opposing the project, concerned it will reduce its share of Cauvery water.
Karnataka officials claim the reservoir will act as a buffer, ensuring Tamil Nadu receives its water share.
- Who
- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, Karnataka Water Resources Department, Tamil Nadu, Supreme Court
- What
- Karnataka has established a dedicated division for the Mekedatu project and is directing officials to commence work, following the Supreme Court's rejection of Tamil Nadu's plea to halt the project.
- When
- Friday
- Where
- Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Why
- Tamil Nadu fears the dam will impact its share of Cauvery water, while Karnataka states the dam is for drinking water and power generation, and will ensure Tamil Nadu receives its water share.
Tamil Nadu's Concerns
Karnataka's Stance
Water Share
Tamil Nadu's Concerns
Tamil Nadu opposes the Mekedatu project, fearing it will reduce their share of Cauvery water.
Karnataka's Stance
Karnataka officials state the reservoir will act as a buffer, ensuring Tamil Nadu receives its share of Cauvery water without affecting the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam levels.
Project Opposition
Tamil Nadu's Concerns
Objections are raised for political reasons.
Karnataka's Stance
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar believes objections are political and met with farmers to address land concerns.
- Project Name
- Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project
- Location
- Across the Cauvery River near Mekedatu, Karnataka
- Purpose
- Supply drinking water to Bengaluru and nearby areas, and generate 400 MW of power
- Estimated Cost
- Between Rs 9,000 crore and Rs 14,000 crore
- Water Usage
- 4.75 TMC ft
- Supreme Court Ruling Date
- Thursday
- Action Post-Ruling
- Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister opened a dedicated Mekedatu division and directed officials to begin work.
