Karnataka Presses Centre to Speed Up Mekedatu and Other Water Project Clearances

Bengaluru, Karnataka – The state administration has formally appealed to the Union government to accelerate the clearance process for the Mekedatu project, a high‑profile inter‑state water diversion scheme, along with several other water‑related initiatives under consideration. In its communication, the Karnataka government highlighted the urgency of securing water resources for the state's growing demand and stressed that prolonged delays could hamper planned irrigation and drinking‑water supply benefits.

The request underscores the state's reliance on central clearances, including environmental and inter‑state water‑sharing approvals, which are essential for the projects to move forward. Karnataka officials indicated that they have complied with all requisite studies and are prepared to implement the projects once the necessary permissions are granted.

While the Mekedatu project has been a subject of debate between Karnataka and neighboring states, the current appeal focuses solely on expediting procedural formalities rather than revisiting the project's technical aspects. The state hopes that a swift response from the Centre will enable timely execution of water infrastructure that could bolster agricultural productivity and urban water security.

No specific timeline has been provided for the clearance, and the central government has not yet issued a formal response. The Karnataka administration has pledged to continue its engagement with the Centre to resolve any outstanding issues.