Will Karnataka Submit a New Mekedatu Project Report?

Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced plans to submit a new Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu project following a Supreme Court ruling that dismissed Tamil Nadu's objections as premature. The revised DPR will address concerns regarding the forest area affected by the project, and the state's government is moving forward with establishing project offices in Harobele and Ramanagara. This decision aligns with legal requirements, while also considering local legislative input on potential metro extensions to Tumakuru.

Last updated: 19 November 2025 (BST)

What’s happening now

As of November 2025, Karnataka is actively revising its approach to the Mekedatu project by preparing a new DPR. This comes in light of a recent Supreme Court ruling which allows Karnataka to move forward with the project, despite ongoing objections from Tamil Nadu. Shivakumar's announcement indicates a commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance, as the new DPR will include important details related to environmental impacts, specifically the forest area that will be submerged. The establishment of project offices in Harobele, alongside key administrative roles in Ramanagara, signals a significant step towards advancing the project.

Key takeaways

Karnataka to submit a fresh DPR for the Mekedatu project.
The Supreme Court deemed Tamil Nadu's objections premature.
New DPR will detail the forest area affected by the project.
Project offices are being established to oversee implementation.
Legislators are exploring the feasibility of metro extension to Tumakuru.

Timeline: how we got here

The Mekedatu project has been a subject of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for several years. Below is a brief timeline of significant developments leading up to the current situation:

2018–2019: Initial preparation for the Mekedatu project and the first DPR is drafted using the Schedule of Rates for this period.
2021: Tamil Nadu raises objections to the Mekedatu project citing environmental concerns.
2022: The Supreme Court hears the case regarding the project and Tamil Nadu's objections.
November 2025: The Supreme Court rules that Tamil Nadu's objections are premature, allowing Karnataka to proceed with a new DPR.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The most significant update is Karnataka's commitment to submit a revised DPR that reflects the Supreme Court's recent ruling. This DPR will include detailed assessments of the forest areas that will be affected by the Mekedatu project, addressing concerns raised by environmentalists and stakeholders. Additionally, the establishment of project offices indicates a proactive approach by the Karnataka government to manage and oversee the project effectively.

What was already established

Previously, the Mekedatu project faced significant opposition from Tamil Nadu, which argued that the project would adversely affect its water supply and environmental integrity. The initial DPR was prepared under the 2018–19 Schedule of Rates, which may not accurately reflect current costs and environmental assessments. The Supreme Court's recent decision marks a pivotal moment, allowing Karnataka to advance its plans while still needing to address the concerns of its neighbouring state and regulatory authorities.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

While the immediate implications of the Mekedatu project are primarily regional, UK consumers may be affected indirectly through international markets, especially in sectors reliant on water resources. Should the project lead to increased water availability in Karnataka, it may positively influence agricultural exports, potentially affecting prices and supply chains in the UK.

Businesses and jobs

The Mekedatu project is expected to create jobs during the construction and operational phases. Additionally, the establishment of project offices in Harobele and Ramanagara may lead to local economic growth through employment opportunities and infrastructure development, which could indirectly benefit UK businesses involved in construction and engineering.

Policy and regulation

The project requires compliance with environmental regulations and considerations from bodies such as the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). The revised DPR will be submitted for approval, and future legislative actions may impact water management policies not just in India, but also influence global water resource management discussions, including UK environmental policies.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of states involved in the project, highlighting inter-state dependencies.
2: Key project offices to be set up in Harobele and Ramanagara.
2018–2019: The fiscal year under which the initial DPR was prepared.
3: The number of significant regulatory bodies involved in the approval process (CWMA, CWRC, and the Supreme Court).
£100 million: Estimated investment required for the Mekedatu project, based on initial forecasts.

Definitions and jargon buster

DPR: Detailed Project Report; a comprehensive document that outlines the project's scope, feasibility, and financial implications.
CWMA: Cauvery Water Management Authority; a regulatory body overseeing water sharing and management in the Cauvery River basin.
CWRC: Cauvery Water Regulation Committee; a committee responsible for implementing decisions made by the CWMA.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Karnataka will work on the revisions to the DPR based on the Supreme Court's directives. Stakeholders and environmentalists may be consulted during this period to ensure transparency and address concerns related to the project's environmental impact.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Once the revised DPR is submitted, the approval process will commence with the CWMA and other regulatory bodies. Public consultations may also take place to gather feedback and gauge public sentiment regarding the project.

Signals to watch

Submission date of the revised DPR to the CWMA.
Outcome of the CWMA’s review and any public consultations that may follow.
Further legal developments or challenges from Tamil Nadu regarding the project.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay informed about updates from the Karnataka government regarding the Mekedatu project.
Engage in public consultations if you are a stakeholder or resident in affected areas.
Understand the environmental implications of large-scale projects like Mekedatu.

Don’t

Ignore potential environmental impacts; consider the broader ecological context.
Assume that all objections from Tamil Nadu have been resolved; legal challenges may continue.
Overlook the importance of compliance with regulatory bodies in the approval process.

Checklist

Review the latest updates from the Karnataka government.
Participate in any public hearings or discussions related to the project.
Evaluate the environmental assessments provided in the new DPR.
Monitor legal developments regarding inter-state water disputes.
Engage with local representatives to voice concerns or support for the project.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There are several uncertainties surrounding the Mekedatu project and its future. These include potential legal challenges from Tamil Nadu, which may delay the project further. Environmental assessments need to be accurate and comprehensive to mitigate future disputes. The financial implications of the project may also change as new costs are assessed in the revised DPR. Stakeholders should remain cautious and informed about the evolving situation.

Bottom line

The Mekedatu project represents a significant step for Karnataka in managing its water resources, but it is fraught with inter-state legal and environmental challenges. The revised DPR aims to address these concerns and align with regulatory requirements. As developments unfold, it will be crucial for stakeholders, including the public and businesses, to stay engaged and informed about the project's progress and implications.

FAQs

What is the Mekedatu project?

The Mekedatu project is a proposed balancing reservoir project in Karnataka aimed at managing water resources in the Cauvery River basin. It is designed to enhance water availability for irrigation and drinking water supply.

What are the main concerns about the project?

Main concerns include environmental impacts, particularly regarding forest areas that may be submerged, and inter-state water sharing disputes with Tamil Nadu.

What did the Supreme Court decide regarding the Mekedatu project?

The Supreme Court ruled that Tamil Nadu's objections to the project were premature, allowing Karnataka to proceed with a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR).