HD Kumaraswamy Backs Mekedatu Reservoir to Meet Bengaluru Drinking Water Needs

Union Minister and Mandya Lok Sabha MP HD Kumaraswamy has reaffirmed his commitment to the execution of the proposed Mekedatu reservoir project, which is designed to meet the drinking water requirements of Bengaluru and its surrounding areas.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Kumaraswamy urged neighboring Tamil Nadu to support the initiative, emphasizing that the project would benefit both states. He stated that water issues should not be politicized for electoral gains.

To highlight the long-standing efforts for the project, Kumaraswamy noted that his father and former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda had previously led a delegation of legislators to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to present the case for the reservoir. According to Kumaraswamy, Prime Minister Modi had advised that the issue should be mutually resolved between the two riparian states.

Kumaraswamy also criticized Congress leaders, accusing them of questioning the commitment of Karnataka MPs regarding interstate water disputes. He specifically alleged that senior Congress functionaries, including Mallikarjun Kharge, had remained silent on key regional water initiatives, including the Cauvery, Upper Bhadra, and Krishna river projects.