Recently, the Karnataka government announced its intention to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) concerning the Mekedatu balancing reservoir located along the interstate Cauvery River. This initiative aims to address both drinking water supply and power generation needs.
The Mekedatu Dam Project is a multi-purpose undertaking that involves constructing a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka. Situated approximately 90 km from Bengaluru and just 4 km from the Tamil Nadu border, it is strategically planned at the confluence of the Cauvery River and its tributary, Arkavathi.
The proposed project includes the construction of a 99-metre-high and 735-metre-long concrete gravity dam, an underground powerhouse, and a comprehensive water conductor system. The dam is designed to hold around 66 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water and is expected to generate 400 MW of hydroelectric power once it becomes operational.
Upon completion, the Mekedatu Dam is projected to supply over 4 TMC of water to Bengaluru for drinking purposes, significantly enhancing the city's water security.
Despite its potential benefits, the Mekedatu Dam Project faces strong opposition from Tamil Nadu, the lower riparian state. Concerns have been raised that the project may adversely affect the flow of water into Tamil Nadu. Officials from Tamil Nadu argue that the Mekedatu area marks the last unobstructed point in Karnataka from where Cauvery water flows freely into their state. They claim that the project is an attempt by Karnataka to hinder this natural flow.
This ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of water management in inter-state river basins and underscores the importance of cooperative agreements between states to ensure fair distribution of water resources.
Q1. What is the Mekedatu Dam Project?
Answer: The Mekedatu Dam Project is a multi-purpose initiative in Karnataka aimed at providing drinking water and generating hydroelectric power, involving a balancing reservoir on the Cauvery River.
Q2. Why is Tamil Nadu opposed to the Mekedatu Dam?
Answer: Tamil Nadu opposes the Mekedatu Dam project due to concerns that it may block the free flow of Cauvery water into their state, affecting their water supply.
Q3. How much water will the Mekedatu Dam supply to Bengaluru?
Answer: The Mekedatu Dam is expected to supply over 4 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water to Bengaluru for drinking purposes once completed.
Q4. What are the main features of the Mekedatu Dam?
Answer: Key features include a 99-metre-high concrete gravity dam, an underground powerhouse, and a capacity to hold approximately 66 tmcft of water while generating 400 MW of hydroelectricity.
Q5. What is the significance of the Detailed Project Report (DPR)?
Answer: The DPR outlines the project's scope, design, and implementation strategy and is essential for securing approvals and funding from the central government.
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of the Mekedatu Dam Project?
A) Agricultural irrigation
B) Drinking water supply and hydroelectric power
C) Flood control
D) Recreational purposes
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which river is the Mekedatu Dam Project associated with?
A) Godavari
B) Krishna
C) Cauvery
D) Yamuna
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is the expected hydroelectric power generation capacity of the Mekedatu Dam?
A) 200 MW
B) 300 MW
C) 400 MW
D) 500 MW
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: How far is the Mekedatu Dam from Bengaluru?
A) 50 km
B) 70 km
C) 90 km
D) 110 km
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: Which state is primarily opposing the Mekedatu Dam Project?
A) Andhra Pradesh
B) Kerala
C) Tamil Nadu
D) Maharashtra
Correct Answer: C
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