Clash Over Mekedatu Project: What You Should Know

The Mekedatu project, located in Ramanagaram district, Karnataka, has sparked a dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This essay explores the background of the Mekedatu project, the opposition it has faced, the Supreme Court verdict, and environmental concerns surrounding the project.

1. The Mekedatu Project: 1.1 Location and Purpose:
   • Situated 100 km south of Bengaluru, near the entry point of the Cauvery into Tamil Nadu.
   • A multipurpose balancing reservoir project aimed at generating electricity and supplying drinking water.
   • Initially planned in 1996 by the Karnataka Power Corporation to address the water and electricity needs of Bengaluru and surrounding districts.
   • The project intends to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and recharge the regional groundwater table.
   • Expected to be larger than the Krishnaraja Sagar project on the Cauvery.
2. Opposition to the Project: 2.1 Tamil Nadu’s Protests:
   • In 2015, Tamil Nadu witnessed widespread protests against the dam, leading to a statewide bandh.
   • The state Assembly passed unanimous resolutions against the project in December 2018 and January 2022.
   • In August 2021, Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court, challenging the project.

2.2 Tamil Nadu’s Arguments:

• Tamil Nadu argues that Karnataka’s construction of two reservoirs on the river aims to modify the flow, violating the final award of the Cauvery River Water Tribunal (CRWT).
• The project would impound the flow in the intermediate catchment below existing reservoirs, affecting the water flow into Tamil Nadu.

3. The Supreme Court Verdict: 3.1 Tribunal Establishment:
   • Tamil Nadu sought the establishment of a tribunal in 1990 to decide water allocation between states.
   • In 2007, the tribunal allocated water to Karnataka (270 tmcft), Kerala (30 tmcft), Puducherry (97 tmcft), and Tamil Nadu (419 tmcft).
   • The allocation was subject to reduction in rain-scarcity years.

3.2 Supreme Court’s Intervention:

• Dissatisfaction with the water allocation led to violent protests between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, prompting the Supreme Court’s involvement.
• In the 2018 judgment, the court redistributed the share of water between both states.
• Tamil Nadu’s allocation increased to 404.25 tmcft, while Karnataka’s share rose to 284.75 tmcft, with Kerala and Puducherry maintaining the same share.

4. Environmental Concerns:
   • Critics argue that the Mekedatu dam’s construction will submerge land, including the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, a vital elephant corridor.
   • The sanctuary harbors endangered wildlife species and serves as a buffer area for wildlife.
   • Concerns arise regarding an increase in man-animal conflict due to habitat disruption.

Important Points:

• The Mekedatu dam project aims to generate electricity and supply drinking water in Karnataka and is larger than the Krishnaraja Sagar project on the Cauvery. 💡
• Tamil Nadu has opposed the project through protests, resolutions, and approaching the Supreme Court. 🚫
• Tamil Nadu argues that the project violates the final award of the Cauvery River Water Tribunal by modifying the river’s flow and impounding water that should flow into Tamil Nadu. ⛔️
• The Supreme Court intervened and redistributed the water allocation between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with Tamil Nadu receiving an increased share. ⚖️
• Environmental concerns surround the Mekedatu project, as it may submerge land, including the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, an important elephant corridor, leading to potential man-animal conflict. 🌿🐘

Why In News

Tensions flared between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as a heated dispute erupted over the contentious Mekedatu project, exacerbating long-standing water-sharing conflicts between the two states. The ongoing clash has further strained relations, prompting urgent calls for dialogue and diplomatic intervention to find a mutually beneficial resolution.

MCQs about Clash Over Mekedatu Project

1. What is the primary purpose of the Mekedatu dam project?
   A. Irrigation and agriculture
   B. Generation of electricity and water supply
   C. Flood control and disaster management
   D. Conservation of biodiversity
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. Generation of electricity and water supply
   Explanation: The primary purpose of the Mekedatu dam project is the generation of electricity and the supply of drinking water in the region.
2. Which state has witnessed widespread protests against the Mekedatu dam project?
   A. Karnataka
   B. Tamil Nadu
   C. Kerala
   D. Puducherry
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: B. Tamil Nadu
   Explanation: The Tamil Nadu has witnessed widespread protests against the Mekedatu dam project.
3. What did Tamil Nadu argue against the Mekedatu project?
   A. Violation of environmental regulations
   B. Risk of dam failure
   C. Modification of river flow and violation of water allocation award
   D. Excessive cost and financial burden
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: C. Modification of river flow and violation of water allocation award
   Explanation: Tamil Nadu argued against the Mekedatu project by stating that Karnataka’s construction of two reservoirs would modify the river flow and violate the water allocation award.
4. What are the environmental concerns associated with the Mekedatu project?
   A. Risk of earthquakes
   B. Air pollution from construction activities
   C. Submergence of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and increased man-animal conflict
   D. Water contamination and ecosystem disruption
   Show Answer
   Correct Answer: C. Submergence of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and increased man-animal conflict
   Explanation: The environmental concerns related to the Mekedatu project, including the potential submergence of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary and the increased risk of man-animal conflict.

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