Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Karnataka CM seeks Centre clearance for major water projects
Karnataka wants the Central Government to speed up decisions on several water projects.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asked Union Minister C.R. Patil for help.
One important project is the Mekedatu reservoir and drinking-water project.
Karnataka also wants the Centre to act on a water-sharing decision involving the Krishna River.
The State says this would help it use its allocated water share.
It is also seeking funding for the Upper Bhadra Project.
That project is intended to help drought-prone parts of central Karnataka.
Karnataka has asked for faster reviews and approvals for several other irrigation and flood-control proposals too.
D.K. Shivakumar asked Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to expedite clearances for Karnataka’s water projects.
The State sought priority appraisal of the ₹16,745-crore Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project.
Shivakumar requested Central action on the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II Award before its scheduled November 4, 2026 hearing.
Karnataka sought early funding for the ₹21,167.93-crore Upper Bhadra Project through the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana.
The State also requested progress on proposals involving flood management, irrigation and the Godavari-Cauvery and Bedti-Varada links.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.
- What
- Karnataka requested expedited clearances, funding and action on several water-resource projects and water-allocation matters.
- When
- The request was made in a letter; related proceedings were listed for November 4, 2026, and the Mekedatu detailed project report was submitted on August 13, 2026.
- Where
- The letter was handed over at C.R. Patil’s residence in New Delhi, concerning projects in Karnataka.
- Why
- Karnataka said timely decisions were needed for drinking water, irrigation, drought mitigation and use of its allocated water resources.
- Mekedatu project cost
- ₹16,745 crore
- Upper Bhadra revised estimate
- ₹21,167.93 crore
- Mekedatu DPR submission
- Submitted to the Central Water Commission on August 13, 2026
- Related Supreme Court listing
- Posted with pending civil appeals for November 4, 2026
- Upper Bhadra funding request
- Inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and early release of Central assistance
- Additional programmes
- Proposals submitted under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme