Karnataka govt issues order to constitute team to expedite Mekedatu project
Bengaluru (PTI): The Karnataka state government on Friday said that it issued an order to form a team under the leadership of KERS Director K G Mahesh to expedite the Mekedatu project in view of "the favourable Supreme Court order".
According to the Government Order dated December 11, which was shared with the media on Friday, the committee will comprise the Deputy Chief Engineer and other staff of Karnataka Engineering Research Station (KERS) and will operate from its project office to be set up in Ramanagara, the district headquarters town of Bengaluru South.
The order stated that a meeting on Mekedatu held on November 18 under the leadership of Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has decided to set up the office of Superintending Engineer to expedite Mekedatu work.
In view of the requirement of the finance department approval for staffing and office set up, it has been decided to give the responsibility to KERS Director, it stated.
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"The team under KERS Director will comprise an executive engineer, three technical assistants, six assistant engineers, one accountant, a superintendent and other staff," it added.
The order further stated that Caveri Neeravari Nigama Limited (CNNL) will take steps to set up the Mekedatu project office. This office will function under the leadership of CNNL Director, and administrative expenses will be borne by the CNNL.
The Director of CNNL has been instructed to hand over all the relevant documents of the Mekedatu project to the KERS Director, the order added.
On November 13, the Supreme Court rejected Tamil Nadu's plea against the Mekedatu project, calling the objection "premature".
A bench comprising then Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justices K Vinod Chandran and Justice NV Anjaria had said the plan would be approved only after considering the objections of the State as well as the opinion of the expert bodies, Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
The Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project, proposed by the Karnataka government, involves constructing a dam across the Cauvery River primarily to supply drinking water to the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region and generate hydroelectric power.
The project, located near the deep gorge of Mekedatu (goat's leap in Kannada)--where the Arkavathi River joins the Cauvery on the border of Ramanagara and Chamarajanagar districts--aims to utilise 4.75 TMC feet of water to meet the growing needs of Bengaluru and surrounding areas, while generating about 400 MW of power annually.
According to officials in the Water Resources Department, the reservoir will act as a buffer, ensuring Tamil Nadu receives its share of Cauvery water without depleting the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam.
The cost of the project is estimated to be between Rs 9,000 crore and Rs 14,000 crore, officials said.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
