1. What is the Mekedatu dam project?
• The Mekedatu dam project is a multi-purpose initiative aimed at providing drinking water to Bengaluru and generating power. It involves building a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Karnataka.
2. How much water will the dam provide to Bengaluru?
• The project is expected to supply over 4 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) of water to Bengaluru for drinking purposes.
3. What is the estimated cost of the project?
• The estimated cost is around Rs 14,000 crore, covering over 5,000 hectares.
4. Who supports the Mekedatu dam project?
• All major political parties in Karnataka, including Congress, BJP, and JDS, support the project.
5. Why does Tamil Nadu oppose the project?
• Tamil Nadu opposes the project, arguing it may reduce water flow into the state, affecting its farmers and agricultural needs.
6. What is the current status of the project?
• The project is pending clearances from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, and the Central Water Commission. The Karnataka government is awaiting the necessary approvals to proceed with land acquisition and construction.
7. What are the potential benefits of the project?
• It aims to provide clean drinking water to Bengaluru and other regions in Karnataka and manage surplus water between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu during distress years.
8. What are the main concerns of Tamil Nadu regarding the project?
• Tamil Nadu is concerned that the project could divert water from various sub-basins, reducing the water available for its farmers.
9. Has construction started on the dam?
• No, construction has not yet started. The project awaits final clearances from the relevant Union ministries.
10. What steps have been taken by the Karnataka government?
• The Karnataka government has submitted a detailed project report to the Union government and has allocated Rs 1,000 crore for the project in the state budget.
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