NGT has given green signal to Mekedatu project: B S Yediyurappa

Karnataka Chief Minister B. S. Yediyurappa has welcomed the decision of National Green Tribunal (NGT) to close the suo moto proceedings on forming a committee to do a spot inspection at the Mekedatu Project site in Karnataka. Tamil Nadu Government is opposing the project and wanted a spot inspection to find out whether Karnataka had made preparations to build a reservoir at Mekedatu without environmental clearance.

Mekedatu Project proposed by Karnataka will help generate 4,000 MW of power and supply water to Bengaluru. Chief Minister Yediyurappa said that NGT has given a green signal to the project. Law Minister Basavaraj Bommai said that Karnataka has not violated any norms and the state will pursue the original



suit pending before the Supreme Court on this issue.

Home and Law Minister Basavaraj Bommai has said that Karnataka’s interest will be protected may it be Mekedatu Project on River Cauvery or Kalasa Banduri project on Mahadayi river bordering Goa. He hoped that Karnataka could take up these projects to provide drinking water to Dharwad and Bengaluru.

He stressed that the projects are envisaged in such a way that there will be least environmental impact. The court, he added, was convinced on that matter. He has assured that our advocates will be able to argue favorably in Supreme Court where an original suit on the matter is pending.