Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Saturday said the state would continue to pursue the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project across the Cauvery river, asserting its right to build the dam while safeguarding Tamil Nadu's share of water.
Emphasising the need for cooperation with neighbouring Tamil Nadu on development despite political differences, he said Karnataka would seek the necessary clearances and pursue the project in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions.
"In politics, we will compete; in development, we will cooperate," Shivakumar told reporters here, referring to his interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussions on issues concerning Karnataka.
The Mekedatu project has been a longstanding point of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu opposes the project, arguing that it would affect the interests of its farmers. Karnataka, however, maintains that the proposed reservoir would help meet Bengaluru's drinking water needs and serve as a buffer during periods of water scarcity.
Shivakumar said all political parties in Karnataka had agreed that the project should proceed. He added that he was submitting the necessary documents to the Union government to secure forest and environmental clearances.
He also said he had urged the Modi government to reject the Kasturirangan report.
"Let them (Tamil Nadu government) come with a delegation. I will show them and explain how this project will benefit them," he said, responding to criticism from Tamil Nadu over his remarks on the project.
Shivakumar said the Supreme Court had recognised Tamil Nadu's entitlement to 177 TMC of water, adding that Karnataka was duty-bound to protect that share.
"It is our duty to protect their right. At the same time, it is our right to build the dam and provide them with water," he said.
Shivakumar seeks Modi Govt's support for Bengaluru infrastructure
On other issues raised during his interaction with the Prime Minister, Shivakumar said he had sought equal funding from the Union Government and the state for Metro Rail projects and the constitution of a technical committee.
He also called for expediting pending Metro projects and extending the Pink Line.
Shivakumar said he had explained the need for flyovers and double-decker structures in Bengaluru to the Prime Minister, along with Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Only about 8 per cent of Bengaluru's area was covered by roads, compared with 18-20 per cent in other places, he said. He added that land acquisition would cost around Rs 50,000 per square foot, making conventional road expansion difficult.
The state was willing to share the expenditure on double-decker structures, Shivakumar said, adding that it had also proposed taking an all-party delegation to discuss the issues. The Prime Minister had agreed to the proposal, he said.
Shivakumar recalls Nehru's contribution to nation-building
Earlier, marking the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Shivakumar highlighted his contributions to industrialisation, scientific development, education and the country's democratic institutions.
He said institutions such as HAL, IITs, HMT and BHEL were established during Nehru's tenure and recalled his role in laying the foundation for India's industrial and power sectors.
Nehru's vision for development, the Five-Year Plans and initiatives to promote education and scientific research were also among his significant contributions, he said.
The Chief Minister also recalled Nehru's role in strengthening democracy, his association with the framing of the Constitution under B R Ambedkar's leadership and the financial assistance extended to the Tungabhadra dam project in Karnataka.
He said Nehru's legacy continued to inspire the country and that political leaders holding public office should draw guidance from his contributions.
