Karnataka to go ahead with global bids in Mekedaatu project

BENGALURU: Karnataka has decided to ignore Tamil Nadu's protests to a reservoir project it has proposed across river Cauvery at Makedaatu in the border area between the two states.
"We have already floated a global express of interest (EoI) to prepare the detailed project report, the last date for which was November 25, but now we will be extending it by a month as requested from leading overseas firms," water resources minister MB Patil told ET.

"It is too early to say whether it is going to be a drinking water project or a multi-purpose reservoir. We are now just exploring the possibility, and we are well within our rights to plan this project," he said. The government's action, he said, follows the advice from the head of its legal team, Fali S Nariman.

"Karnataka has to release 192 tmc feet of water at Biligundlu in a normal year as per the tribunal award, and we are complying with that. In case there is a shortfall in rains, then distress formula will come into play. Beyond this, Tamil Nadu has no claim," Patil said.

Tamil Nadu has moved the Supreme Court to restrain Karnataka from going ahead with its Makedaatu reservoir project.