DCM Wants Union Govt to Take Clear Stand on Mekedatu Project

DEPUTY Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged the Union Government to clarify its stance on the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project and approve irrigation projects worth Rs 11,000 crore in Karnataka.

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Shivakumar, who also holds the water resources portfolio, told the media that he raised these issues during a meeting with Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in Udaipur, Rajasthan, where ministers from different states and UTs participated.

"We have asked the Centre to take a clear stand on the Mekedatu project. The delay is unacceptable. Is the Union Government committed to this project or not? Both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu will benefit from the project," Shivakumar said.

He also highlighted the need to resolve the Pennar river dispute through negotiations, pointing out that large amounts of water were going to waste instead of being utilised efficiently.