Priyank Kharge has reaffirmed the Karnataka government's position on the proposed Mekedatu Project, stating that the project will be pursued in accordance with the directions of the judiciary and applicable legal procedures. His remarks came amid political discussions surrounding the project and differing views expressed by leaders from neighboring Tamil Nadu.
Speaking to reporters, Kharge said that decisions regarding the project would be based on legal provisions rather than individual opinions. He emphasized that the Karnataka government remains committed to following the framework laid down by the Supreme Court while addressing issues related to water resource management.
According to Kharge, the state believes that water resources should be utilized efficiently wherever legally permissible. He referred to the importance of managing available water resources for the benefit of the people while ensuring compliance with judicial directions and statutory requirements.
The Mekedatu Project has been a subject of discussion between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for several years. Karnataka has proposed the construction of a balancing reservoir on the Cauvery River near Mekedatu, stating that the project is intended to improve drinking water supply and regulate water storage. Tamil Nadu, however, has expressed concerns regarding the potential impact of the project on downstream water availability.
The sharing of Cauvery River water has historically been governed through legal and institutional mechanisms, including decisions of the Supreme Court of India and the Cauvery Water Management Authority. These institutions oversee the implementation of water-sharing arrangements among the basin states.
Kharge stated that Karnataka intends to continue pursuing the project within the constitutional and legal framework established for interstate river water management. He emphasized that any future steps would be taken only after following due legal procedures and obtaining the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.
The minister also indicated that discussions concerning interstate water projects should remain focused on legal processes, technical assessments, and public interest. He maintained that official decisions should be guided by statutory mechanisms rather than political statements or individual viewpoints.
The Mekedatu proposal has been examined by various government agencies over the years as part of the environmental, technical, and administrative review process. Like other major river infrastructure projects, it requires multiple statutory clearances before implementation, including environmental and regulatory approvals where applicable.
Water resource experts note that interstate river projects often involve complex legal, environmental, hydrological, and administrative considerations. Such projects typically require coordination between state governments, central agencies, technical experts, and judicial institutions to ensure compliance with existing laws and agreements.
The Karnataka government has consistently maintained that the proposed reservoir is intended primarily for drinking water supply and water management purposes. Tamil Nadu has continued to raise concerns regarding the project, emphasizing the need to protect its allocated share of Cauvery River water under existing legal arrangements.
The issue remains under the purview of the appropriate legal and administrative authorities. Any future progress on the Mekedatu Project will depend on statutory approvals, judicial directions, technical evaluations, and decisions taken by the competent institutions responsible for interstate river water management.
The latest remarks by Priyank Kharge reflect Karnataka's continued position that the project will be pursued through established legal channels while respecting the constitutional framework governing interstate water disputes. The matter is expected to remain an important topic of discussion between the concerned states as the regulatory process continues.