✎ Mekedatu project faces CWC scrutiny over water allocation exceeding Supreme Court limits.

Relevance for Banking, SSC & RBI Grade B exams: Economy/Governance

The Central Water Commission (CWC) has directed Karnataka to revise its Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water Project, citing that the proposed consumptive water use exceeds the allocation permitted under the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) Award. The project, initially proposed to utilize 4.75 tmcft of water, was revised in April 2026 to include additional components like the Shivanasamudra Run-of-River Power Project, increasing the consumptive use to 6.95 tmcft. However, the CWC noted that Karnataka’s total consumptive use allocation, as per the Supreme Court’s 2018 order, is only 6.5 tmcft, leaving little room for the proposed increase. The CWC also questioned the appropriateness of the reservoir’s live storage capacity of 59.46 tmcft, asking Karnataka to resubmit the DPR in compliance with its guidelines and the CWDT Award.

For banking and SSC aspirants, this issue highlights the importance of inter-state water disputes and their economic implications, as such conflicts can impact infrastructure financing and regional development projects. For RBI Grade B examinees, understanding the role of regulatory bodies like the CWC and the legal framework governing water allocation—such as the CWDT Award and Supreme Court rulings—is crucial, as it reflects the interplay between governance, law, and economic policies in resource management.

Source: The Hindu

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