Mekedatu Project Sparks Cauvery Water Dispute Debate

The Mekedatu balancing reservoir project by Karnataka has recently gained renewed attention. Karnataka plans to submit a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the Centre. The Supreme Court deemed Tamil Nadu’s challenge to the project premature, allowing the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Central Water Commission (CWC) to review the proposal. The project has reignited tensions between the upper riparian State Karnataka and lower riparian State Tamil Nadu over Cauvery water sharing.

Background of the Mekedatu Project

Karnataka proposes a ₹9,000-crore reservoir at Mekedatu, about 100 km from Bengaluru. It aims to store 67.16 TMC of Cauvery water and generate 400 MW hydroelectric power. The reservoir will submerge nearly 5,000 hectares, mostly forest and wildlife land. The project intends to use an additional 4.75 TMC water allocated to Karnataka by the Supreme Court in 2018. It seeks to address Bengaluru’s growing water needs amid recurring shortages.

Controversy and Inter-State Tensions

The Cauvery water dispute has a long history causing mistrust. Tamil Nadu fears Karnataka will store excessive water and restrict releases downstream. The lower riparian State doubts Karnataka’s willingness to share water fairly during dry months. Karnataka insists the project will comply with legal water sharing norms and help supply Tamil Nadu even in poor rainfall years. Political reactions mirror these opposing stances, deepening the dispute.

Importance for Bengaluru’s Water Security

Bengaluru’s water demand is rising sharply due to population growth. The city currently needs 2,600 million litres per day (MLD) but only has 2,100 MLD available, leaving a 500 MLD deficit. Cauvery supplies 1,450 MLD, with groundwater providing another 650 MLD. Bengaluru’s population is expected to reach 20 million by 2030, increasing demand to 4,000 MLD. The Mekedatu project is seen by Karnataka as vital to meet this gap and reduce water stress.

Alternative Water Solutions

Experts suggest Bengaluru can also rely on rainfall harvesting and wastewater reuse. The city receives 700-850 mm of annual rainfall yielding about 15 TMC, and treated wastewater reuse could add 16 TMC. These alternatives could supplement Cauvery water and reduce dependence on new reservoirs. Sustainable water management practices remain crucial alongside infrastructure projects.

Role of Central Authorities

Karnataka submitted the DPR to the Central Water Commission in 2019. The Ministry of Environment’s Expert Appraisal Committee called for an amicable inter-State solution due to the dispute. The CWMA referred the project back to the CWC for further examination in 2024. These bodies are expected to facilitate dialogue and ensure compliance with legal and environmental norms.

Environmental and Social Impact

The project will submerge vast forest and wildlife areas, raising ecological concerns. The Environmental Impact Assessment must address these issues thoroughly. Balancing development needs with environmental protection is a key challenge. Local communities and ecosystems could be affected by land submergence and changes in river flow.

Legal and Political Dynamics

The Supreme Court’s ruling has not ended the dispute but clarified procedural aspects. Tamil Nadu’s government remains opposed and vows to resist construction. Karnataka’s leadership views the decision as a victory. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s orders and central authority oversight shape the legal framework. Political will and cooperation are essential for resolution.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Point out the role of inter-State river water disputes in shaping federal relations in India, with examples from the Cauvery dispute.
2. Critically analyse the environmental challenges posed by large water infrastructure projects like the Mekedatu reservoir, with suitable examples.
3. Estimate the impact of urbanisation on water demand in Indian cities and discuss how sustainable water management can address these challenges.
4. What is the significance of the Cauvery Water Management Authority in dispute resolution? How does it balance State and Central interests in water governance?

Answer Hints:

1. Point out the role of inter-State river water disputes in shaping federal relations in India, with examples from the Cauvery dispute.

1. Inter-State river disputes test cooperative federalism and often strain Centre-State and inter-State relations.
2. The Cauvery dispute exemplifies conflict between upper riparian (Karnataka) and lower riparian (Tamil Nadu) states over water sharing.
3. Such disputes show challenges in resource allocation, trust deficit, and regional political pressures.
4. The Supreme Court and tribunals play crucial roles in adjudicating disputes, enforcing legal frameworks.
5. Central bodies like the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) mediate and regulate water sharing, reflecting Centre’s role in federal water governance.
6. Disputes influence political dynamics, policy-making, and cooperative mechanisms in India’s federal structure.

2. Critically analyse the environmental challenges posed by large water infrastructure projects like the Mekedatu reservoir, with suitable examples.

1. Large reservoirs cause submergence of vast land areas, including forests and wildlife habitats (Mekedatu – ~4,800 ha forest land).
2. Loss of biodiversity and disruption of ecological balance are major concerns.
3. Alteration of river flow affects downstream ecosystems and aquatic life.
4. Environmental Impact Assessments must address these concerns but face political and developmental pressures.
5. Social impacts include displacement of local communities and changes in livelihoods.
6. Balancing developmental benefits (water supply, hydroelectricity) with environmental sustainability is challenging.

3. Estimate the impact of urbanisation on water demand in Indian cities and discuss how sustainable water management can address these challenges.

1. Rapid urbanisation leads to exponential increase in water demand (e.g., Bengaluru – from 2,600 MLD to projected 4,000 MLD by 2030).
2. Groundwater depletion and overextraction become critical issues.
3. Dependence on inter-State river water increases inter-State tensions (e.g., Cauvery water demand).
4. Sustainable solutions include rainwater harvesting, wastewater reuse, and efficient water use technologies.
5. Urban planning must integrate water-sensitive designs and promote conservation awareness.
6. Policy support and community participation are essential for sustainable urban water management.

4. What is the significance of the Cauvery Water Management Authority in dispute resolution? How does it balance State and Central interests in water governance?

1. CWMA is a statutory body established to regulate and monitor Cauvery water sharing per Tribunal and Supreme Court orders.
2. It provides a platform for dialogue between riparian States (Karnataka and Tamil Nadu) to reduce conflicts.
3. CWMA coordinates with Central agencies like the Central Water Commission for technical evaluation.
4. It ensures compliance with legal rulings, balancing States’ water needs and Central oversight.
5. By referring projects like Mekedatu back for further scrutiny, it encourages amicable solutions.
6. CWMA exemplifies Centre’s role in managing inter-State water resources while respecting federal principles.