Mekedatu project: CM Kumaraswamy presides important meeting
‘Government is ready to convince Tamil Nadu’
Bengaluru, Dec 6: As the Central Water Commission has agreed to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) on Mekedatu project, Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy chaired an important meeting of former chief ministers, irrigation ministers and legal experts at the Vidhana Soudha here on Thursday.
Former chief ministers Siddaramaiah, Jagadish Shettar, leaders H.K Patil, K.S. Eshwarappa, Basavaraj Bommai, Ministers D.K. Shivakumar and R.V. Deshpande and others participated in the meeting. As Tamil Nadu is preparing to file its objection against the Mekedatu project, the meeting discussed in length on taking up the project at the earliest. As the implementation of the project would not have any impact on Tamil Nadu, the state government has decided to convince its neighbouring state.
It will help TN
Water Resources Minister DK Shivakumar said that “the objection from Tamil Nadu over the project is not fair as we are going to implement the project on our land. We have planned to utilize the water which flows into the sea and this will help Tamil Nadu”, he said.
Speaking to reporters after meeting, Shivakumar said that Tamil Nadu has been opposing the Mekedatu project for political reasons. The proposed project would not affect Tamil Nadu. Instead, it would help that state. The state government was ready to convince Tamil Nadu. Let the central government invite the chief ministers of both the states and solve the problem, he said.
Tamil Nadu government has convened a special Assembly Session to discuss the Mekedatu project. Karnataka would not use its water for irrigation purpose. Instead, it would just use it for drinking purpose. Tamil Nadu should not move the court in this issue, Shivakumar appealed.
A primary report of the Rs 5,916 crore project was ready. The government has taken one step forward. Total 4,996 hectare land would come under the project area, of which 380 hectare of land belonged to Revenue department and remaining land belonged to the Forest department. Since the Central Water Commission has given its green signal for the project, Karnataka would not backtrack from the project, he clarified.
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Having Messi is a golden moment for Mumbai and India: Tendulkar
Mumbai (PTI): Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar on Sunday termed Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi's visit to Mumbai as a golden moment for the city and the country.
Tendulkar compared the 2011 Cricket World Cup triumph at the same ground with the visit of Messi, along with his Inter Miami team-mates Luis Saurez and Rodrigo de Paul.
"I have spent some incredible moments here. As we call it, Mumbai is a city of dreams. And a number of dreams have seen the finish line here on this very venue. And without your support, we would never have seen those golden moments on this ground in 2011," Tendulkar said referring to India's ODI World Cup triumph in which he played a major role.
"And today, having all three of them here is indeed a golden moment for Mumbai, Mumbaikars and India. The way you have received all three greats of the game has truly been remarkable."
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Talking about Messi, he said, "When it comes to Leo, if I have to speak about his game, it wouldn't be the right platform. And you know, what does one talk about him? He has achieved everything. We really admire his dedication, determination, commitment.
"And above all, his humility, the person that he is. And on behalf of Mumbaikars and Indians, I would like to wish him and his family the very best of health and happiness to all of you. Thank you once again for being here and encouraging youngsters."
Tendulkar also hoped that "India also reaches the height that we all aspire to (in football)."
Tendulkar presented a No.10 jersey signed by him to Messi. The Argentine World Cup-winning captain reciprocated with a football.
Messi arrived in Mumbai around noon under "World Cup level" security measures, marking the second day of his four-city 'GOAT India Tour 2025'.
He will wind up his visit on Monday in New Delhi where he will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Messi had arrived in India in the wee hours of Saturday, but the opening leg of the tour in Kolkata quickly descended into chaos later in the day due to poor crowd management and security lapses.
However, his evening programme in the Hyderabad leg stood in stark contrast to the mayhem in Kolkata, proceeding smoothly and concluding on a positive note.
VIDEO | Maharashtra: Amid loud cheers, Indian cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar gifts Argentine football icon Lionel Messi the 2011 World Cup jersey, calling it a golden moment for Mumbai and India.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) December 14, 2025
(Source: Third Party)
(Full VIDEO available on PTI Videos –… pic.twitter.com/GKIqReBoqa
