Will resolve Mekedatu, Mahadayi disputes: Basavaraj Bommai

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Sunday said he was committed to resolving all the water disputes including the contentious Mekedatu balancing reservoir across Cauvery river, Mahadayi drinking water project and the third stage of the Krishna Upper project.

"We have to complete the third stage of Upper Krishna project to irrigate 5.5 lakh hectares land. That is our priority. We know the background of it," Bommai said in his maiden Independence Day speech as Chief Minister from the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw Parade Ground.

He pointed out that there was a need for a small legal battle in the Supreme Court.

He said he would make a sincere effort to bring water to Uttara Karnataka region after getting clearances.

He also said that he would complete the contentious Mekedatu project on Cauvery river in the south of Karnataka and Kalasa Banduri project on Mahadayi river in the north.

Regarding the Mekedatu scheme, Bommai said he will work with the Central government, explain all the dimensions of the issue to the officials there and will start the project after seeking permission for it.

"I will make every effort to complete the (Mekedatu) drinking water and hydro-electricity project for Bengaluru and neighbouring villages at the earliest after seeking necessary clearances. I will start the project pertaining to sharing water during the distress year between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu," the Chief minister said.

The Rs 9,000 crore Mekedatu balancing reservoir and drinking water project across the Cauvery river in Ramanagara district aims at utilising 4.75 TMC of water for drinking purposes in Bengaluru and neighbouring areas, besides generating 400 MW power.

However, Tamil Nadu is opposed to it, saying that it will hamper the interests of the state and deprive its farmers of water for irrigation purposes.

"I will not compromise when it comes to issues related to Karnataka's border, language, land, water and its people," Bommai said, reiterating his resolve.

The Chief Minister also announced a number of schemes in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to celebrate the event till August 15, 2023 to mark the platinum jubilee (Amruth Varsh) or 75th year of the Independence Day of India, starting from Sunday.

Amrutha Gram Panchayat Scheme covering water, electricity, infrastructure and digital library in 750 villages, Amrutha Grameen Housing Project in 750 Gram Panchayats and setting up Amrutha Farmer Produce Societies with a seed money of Rs 30 lakh each. In three years, Rs 225 crore grant will be given.