Cauvery board's decision on Mekedatu DPR will go in Karnataka's favour, says CM Bommai
Bengaluru, Mar 4: Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Friday expressed confidence that the Cauvery Water Management Board's decision regarding approval of the Detailed Project Report on Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across Cauvery river will go in favour of Karnataka.
"We know which stage Mekedatu project is. The last meeting of the Cauvery Management Board to approve the detailed project report is due to happen. We know that the decision will be in our favour," he told reporters.
He was replying to a query on allocation of Rs 1,000 crore for the Mekedatu project in the 2022-23 budget tabled by him in the Assembly on Friday.
He further said once the decision comes in Karnataka's favour, the state will get the terms of reference for environment clearance, for which his government will be prepared.
"We are ready to apply for the terms of reference. We have the willpower to start the Mekedatu project and we are working in that direction. Anticipating all clearances, we have reserved Rs 1,000 crore for the project. We will work for it in a committed manner," Bommai said.
He was replying to a query whether allocating Rs 1,000 crore for the contentious Mekedatu project on Cauvery river was a gimmick to gain political mileage as alleged by the Congress.
The Chief Minister said he has "all the minutest details" about various irrigation and water projects whereas the opposition party "knows only politics and nothing else".
The Congress on February 3 concluded its 'Walk For Water' padayatra (foot march) from Ramanagara to Bengaluru demanding the commencement of Mekedatu balancing reservoir project in Kanakapura, which is located in the home constituency of Congress state president D K Shivakumar.
The Karnataka government submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Central Water Commission (CWC) in 2019, which was then referred to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) where it is stuck currently as Tamil Nadu, which is the lower riparian state, has opposed the project tooth and nail.
Karnataka has maintained that the project within its territory will benefit both states as the surplus water stored can be managed between the two during the distress years, and its implementation will in no way affect the interests of Tamil Nadu's farming communities, as there will be no impact on its share of water.
The neighbouring state is of the view that the project would "impound and divert" the uncontrolled water flow due to Tamil Nadu from Kabini sub-basin, the catchment area below Krishnarajasagara, and also from Shimsha, Arkavathi and Suvarnavathi sub-basins besides other small streams.
The estimated Rs 9,000 crore Mekedatu multipurpose (drinking and power) project involves building a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district. The project, once completed, is aimed at ensuring drinking water to Bengaluru and neighbouring areas (4.75 TMC) and can also generate 400 megawatts of power.
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What is Iran’s 10-point plan? Key demands ahead of US talks in Islamabad
Tehran/Islamabad: Iran has outlined a 10-point plan as the basis for upcoming talks with the United States, expected to begin in Islamabad on April 11, according to a statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
The plan lays out Tehran’s key political, military and economic demands, and is being seen as a framework for negotiations following the recent escalation in the region.
Strait of Hormuz at the centre
A major focus of the plan is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has proposed “controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian armed forces,” which it says would give the country a unique economic and geopolitical position.
The plan also calls for the “establishment of a safe transit protocol” in the Strait that would guarantee Iran’s dominance under an agreed mechanism.
Call to end conflict
Iran has demanded “the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the axis of resistance,” signalling its expectation that hostilities should stop not only in Iran but also involving allied groups in the region.
US troop withdrawal
Another key demand is the “withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and deployment points in the region,” indicating Tehran’s long-standing position against American military presence in West Asia.
Sanctions relief and compensation
The plan places strong emphasis on economic measures. It calls for “full payment of Iran’s damages according to estimates,” along with “the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council.”
It also seeks “the release of all Iranian assets and properties frozen abroad,” which have been a major point of contention for years.
Binding global guarantee
Finally, Iran has demanded that all these terms be formally recognised through “a binding Security Council resolution,” suggesting it wants international legal backing to ensure enforcement.
What this means
The 10-point plan reflects Iran’s broader push for security guarantees, economic relief and regional influence. The upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to test how far both sides are willing to negotiate on these demands.
