Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar exchange barbs over Mekedatu

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: J D(S) state president HD Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar got into a spat over the Mekedatu multi-purpose drinking water project and other irrigation schemes.

Kumaraswamy alleged that it was him that tried to push for the Mekedatu project when he was the CM during the 2018-19 stretch.

He added that he had tried to get the Mahadayi project approved in 2006-07 during his maiden CM term as well. It is to be noted that both projects have yet to get approvals from relevant parties.

For instance, to build Mekedatu, the approval of neighbouring Tamil Nadu is necessary. Tamil Nadu’s DMK State gover nment has ruled out agreeing to the project since they don’t want rivers upstream to be dammed.

The case for the Mahadayi project is being heard in courts because Goa is opposed to it.

“My government had submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) on Mekedatu back in 2018-19. You had been a minister in that government. How is it that you don’t know about this?” Kumaraswamy asked Shivakumar, pointing out that the Deputy CM was in power and held the Water Resources portfolio.

“In 2006-07 itself, I had approved the Mahadayi project, approved Rs 100 crore and a foundation stone was laid. Then there was a Congress government. What happened Mr Shivakumar. Why didn’t you walk the talk then?” he asked. Shivakumar hit back at Kumaraswamy, claiming that his goal was to build Mekedatu.

“Our fight is for the people of the region, but he (Kumaraswamy) could not digest it (padayatra). I have taken up the Irrigation ministry to build the Mekedatu dam. I will deliver it at any cost. I will not fail the people of this region,” he said.

“Kumaraswamy is talking about Mekedatu and Mahadayi now, but he didn't do anything about it when he was in power. When we were on a padayatra for Mekedatu, he had ridiculed that we were taking out the yatra to eat kababs. He is now talking about a padayatra. Looks like Mandya heat has affected him,” he added.

Projects long pending Mekedatu

Kannada for goat’s leap is a multi-purpose project wherein a balancing reservoir would be built near the gorge where Cauvery and Arkavathi rivers meet in Chamarajanagara district but borders Ramanagara district as well.

The project would provide 4.75 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of drinking water to Bengaluru and generate 400 Mega Watt of power.

The Kalasa-Banduri Nala, otherwise known as the Mahadayi drinking water project is the longstanding plan to improve potable water supply to northern Karnataka districts of Belagavi, Bagalkot, Dharwad and Gadag districts.