Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to speed up approvals and clearances for several pending water projects, including the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project.
Shivakumar made the request during a meeting with Patil in New Delhi and highlighted the need for quicker decisions on water-related issues affecting Karnataka’s drinking water supply, irrigation and drought-management efforts.
The Mekedatu project, estimated at ₹16,745 crore, is awaiting appraisal by the Central Water Commission (CWC). Karnataka submitted the project’s Detailed Project Report (DPR), along with a compliance report, to the CWC on August 13, 2026, and has requested that the appraisal be completed on priority.
Shivakumar also sought action on the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II award, including early publication of the award in the Gazette. He said timely notification would help Karnataka use its allocated water share and proceed with related irrigation projects.
The Chief Minister further requested central assistance for the Upper Bhadra Project, whose revised cost has been estimated at ₹21,167.93 crore. He asked for the project to be considered under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana and for the release of central assistance.
Other proposals discussed included projects under irrigation and flood-management schemes, as well as the Godavari-Cauvery Link and Bedti-Varada Link projects. Karnataka has sought faster examination of these proposals and a review of its proposed water allocation under the interlinking projects.
Shivakumar said timely approvals, funding and decisions on these projects would be important for strengthening irrigation and drinking water infrastructure across Karnataka.