No question of stopping Mekedatu project, says Siddaramaiah

Karnataka sets apart Rs 25 crore to prepare DPR for Mekedatu project

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah assured that there is no looking back at the Mekedatu dam project.

“Mekedatu dam project is our right. Nobody can oppose it and no matter how much opposition comes, we will implement it,” chief minister Siddaramaiah told pro-Kannada organisations after receiving a memorandum from them.

He said he will lead an all-party delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 22 to make the stand of Karnataka clear.

“We will convince the prime minister on the need for building a dam at Mekedatu, which will provide drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding areas. I have already approached the PMO to give us an appointment to meet the prime minister,” Siddaramaiah said.

The state government has set apart Rs 25 crore in the budget for 2015-16 to prepare detailed project report (DPR) on Mekedatu drinking water project.

“We will commence the work immediately after receiving the detailed project report. There is no legal problem in commencing the work there. This project will ensure supply of adequate drinking water to Bengaluru and also help in improving the water table in surrounding areas,” the chief minister added.