Karnataka Minister Demands Action Plan for Mekedatu Project Clearances
Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has directed officials to create a time-bound plan to speed up approvals for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project. The project is deemed vital for Bengaluru's future water supply.
Key takeaways
- Karnataka's Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has ordered officials to devise a time-bound action plan for the Mekedatu project.
- The directive aims to speed up the acquisition of various permissions necessary for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project.
- The project is considered essential for meeting the future drinking water needs of Bengaluru and its surrounding areas.
- Key discussion points included the DPR, central government clearances, and environmental considerations.

What Happened
Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy has called for a time-bound action plan to accelerate the clearance process for the proposed Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project. The directive came during a review meeting held on Thursday with senior officials.
Mr. Cheluvarayaswamy, who recently assumed responsibility for the Water Resources portfolio, focused on the project's current status, legal obstacles, and strategies to expedite approvals. He stressed the importance of the Mekedatu project for securing future drinking water for Bengaluru and its adjacent regions, urging officials to advance the project without delay.
Discussions during the meeting specifically addressed the Detailed Project Report (DPR), required permissions from central government bodies, forest and ecological concerns, and a strategy to move forward while safeguarding the state's interests.
Key Facts
- Karnataka Water Resources Minister N. Cheluvarayaswamy met with senior officials on August 13, 2026, to review the Mekedatu project.
- The Minister instructed officials to prepare a time-bound action plan to expedite clearance processes.
- Cheluvarayaswamy stated the Mekedatu project is crucial for future drinking water supply to Bengaluru and surrounding areas.
- Discussions included the status of the Detailed Project Report (DPR), central government permissions, forest and ecology issues, and protecting state interests.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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