ForumIAS LATEST
- 24 May |UPSC Prelims 2026 Paper Solved LIVE | GS Paper Detailed Discussion | ForumIAS Click Here →
- 17 May | ABC of Indian Sociology Series | 'H' = HAROLD COULD | Sociology Optional Simplified Click Here →
- 15 May | If You Are Giving Prelims 2026, Watch This Before Entering the Exam Hall Click Here to listen to Ayush Sir's advice →
News: The Supreme Court dismissed Tamil Nadu’s review petition against the Mekedatu project and rejected its request for open court hearing.
About Mekedatu Project
- The Mekedatu Project is a multi-purpose balancing reservoir and drinking water project initiated by the Government of Karnataka.
- Location: The project is located near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district, Karnataka, about 90 km from Bengaluru and near the Tamil Nadu border.
- River Confluence: The project site is located at the confluence of the Cauvery River and its tributary Arkavathi River.
- Naming: Mekedatu means “goat’s leap” and refers to a deep gorge situated at the river confluence.
- Project Specifications:
- The project includes a 99-m-high and 735-m-long concrete gravity dam, an underground powerhouse, and a water conductor system.
- The reservoir will store about 66 tmcft of water and generate 400 MWhydroelectric power.
- Objective: The project aims to supply about 4.75 TMC drinking water to Bengaluru and nearby areas while also generating power.
- Major Issues: Tamil Nadu opposes the project because it fears reduction in downstream Cauvery water flow, which may affect agriculture and drinking water supply.
- Significance: The project is important for Bengaluru’s drinking water needs and hydroelectric power generation.
About Arkavathi River
- The Arkavathi River is an important mountain river in Karnataka and a major tributary of the Kaveri River.
- Origin: The river originates from Nandi Hills in Chikkaballapura district.
- Course: The river flows southward through Bengaluru Rural, Ramanagara, and Mandya districts before joining the Kaveri River near Sangama around 34 km south of Kanakapura.
- Length: The total length of the river is about 190 km.
- Confluence (Mouth): The river merges with the Kaveri River at Sangama near Mekedatu.
- Major Tributaries: The tributaries include Kumudavathi, Suvarnamukhi, Vrishabhavathi, Antharamukhi, and Devamukhi.
- Key Features:
- River Basin: Nearly one-third of Bengaluru city lies within its 4,150 sq. km. river basin.
- Chunchi Falls: The river forms Chunchi Falls near Haroshivanahalli during its course.
- Major Reservoirs: The river feeds the Hesaraghatta Reservoir and Thippagondanahalli Reservoir, which supply drinking water to Bangalore.
