Karnataka Presses Centre on Mekedatu, Krishna, Kalasa-Banduri and Upper Bhadra Projects at National Water Conference
New Delhi/Bengaluru, September 1: Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy urged the Centre to expedite approvals and financial support for four major water projects — Mekedatu, Upper Krishna, Kalasa-Banduri and Upper Bhadra — while presenting the State’s case at the two-day National Water Departments Conference-2026 in New Delhi.
Leading the Karnataka delegation at the conference organised by the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti at Sushma Swaraj Bhawan, Cheluvarayaswamy made a presentation highlighting the State’s requirements relating to the four projects.
On the Mekedatu project, the Minister said the proposed balancing reservoir was essential for drinking water security in Bengaluru as well as Mandya, Ramanagara and Chamarajanagar districts, and for water management during drought years. He urged the Central Water Commission (CWC) to immediately approve the revised Detailed Project Report.
On the Upper Krishna Project, Cheluvarayaswamy called on the Union government to issue the Gazette notification for the final award of the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II (KWDT-II) at the earliest, enabling Karnataka to utilise the 130 TMC of water allocated to the State.
Regarding the Kalasa and Banduri diversion projects in the Mahadayi basin, which are intended to provide drinking water to the Hubballi-Dharwad metropolitan area, the Minister sought speedy clearance of pending forest and wildlife approvals, including those relating to the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL).
For the Upper Bhadra Project, Cheluvarayaswamy sought release of the Rs 5,300 crore assistance announced in the Union Budget. He also requested completion of the Public Investment Board recommendation process for the revised estimate and release of the funds.
The Karnataka delegation also presented reforms adopted by the State government to reduce delays in project implementation. These included the UKP-3 model of consent-based compensation rates, settlement of land acquisition disputes through Lok Adalats, constitution of an Estimate Review Committee, transparent e-tendering through KPPP and adoption of piped irrigation systems.
“Water has no boundaries, and water conservation is our collective national responsibility,” Cheluvarayaswamy said.
During an earlier session, Water Resources Ministers and secretaries from States across the country discussed water conservation, rainwater harvesting and sustainability of drinking water supplies. Cheluvarayaswamy also held discussions with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.
Minister Eshwar Khandre, Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta and other senior officials were present.
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