Bengaluru, Aug 13 — Newly appointed Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy on Thursday directed senior officials to expedite the implementation of the Mekedatu drinking water project, stressing that there should be no delay in the processes related to the ambitious scheme.
Soon after assuming charge, Cheluvarayaswamy held a detailed meeting with senior officials of the department and reviewed the current status of the Mekedatu project, the challenges involved and the proposed course of action.
He said the Mekedatu project was not merely an irrigation scheme but was directly linked to the future drinking water security of Bengaluru and other major urban areas of the state.
The Minister emphasised that the project was crucial for ensuring a sustainable drinking water supply to Bengaluru and surrounding areas in the coming years. He directed officials to take all necessary steps to avoid delays at any stage.
During the meeting, Cheluvarayaswamy sought details on various aspects, including the Detailed Project Report (DPR), approvals required from the Union government and other authorities, environmental and forest clearances, land acquisition, rehabilitation, technical aspects and the strategy to take it forward while safeguarding Karnataka’s interests.
“Under no circumstances can the drinking water rights of the people of Karnataka and the interests of the state be ignored. At every stage of the project, legal and technical norms must be followed, and the process of obtaining the necessary approvals should be expedited,” he told officials.
He instructed them to prepare a comprehensive proposal outlining the steps taken so far, pending approvals and measures required in the next phase.
Cheluvarayaswamy also stressed the need for coordination among all departments concerned and directed officials to prepare the necessary documents and technical information. He said the state should maintain continuous communication with Union government departments and effectively present Karnataka’s position.
With the population of Bengaluru and other urban areas increasing, long‑term plans must be formulated to meet future drinking water demand, he said. Projects such as Mekedatu should not be viewed only from the perspective of present requirements but should also take into account the state's water needs over the coming decades.
“Water is a basic necessity for people. When it comes to drinking water, public welfare is more important than political differences. The government will make every effort to protect the state’s legal rights and take the Mekedatu project forward,” he said.
At the end of the meeting, Cheluvarayaswamy directed officials to formulate a clear, time‑bound action plan covering the present status of the project, major pending issues and measures required to resolve them. He also instructed the Water Resources Department to examine all technical and administrative aspects and submit a report on the next course of action at the earliest.
The meeting assumes significance as the government seeks to give fresh momentum to the Mekedatu project by expediting legal and administrative processes and positioning it as a key project for the state’s drinking water security.
Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta and other senior officials of the Water Resources Department attended the meeting.