BENGALURU, 16 JULY

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar has called on Tamil Nadu to cooperate with the Mekedatu project, highlighting its benefits to both states, especially Tamil Nadu.

"The balancing reservoir at Mekedatu will assist Tamil Nadu more significantly than Karnataka. The water stored there ensures timely release to Tamil Nadu. Residents of Bengaluru, including Kannadigas, Tamilians, and Andhrites, will gain from the drinking water provided by this project. I appeal for their cooperation," he stated during a press conference at Vidhana Soudha. He expressed openness to dialogue and cooperation, emphasising the need for mutual understanding.

"Tamil Nadu have every right to meet as we meet. We don't object to their meeting. It is their duty," Shivakumar stated, addressing the ongoing discussions on water allocations. He refrained from direct comments on Tamil Nadu's recent actions but highlighted positive developments in water inflow in the Cauvery region.

"One thing I would like to appeal to Tamil Nadu, for your interest and our interest. More than our interest it is your interest, this Mekedatu reservoir, you just permit us, whatever storage we will do, we will give you that water," Shivakumar said.

Speaking to reporters here, he said: "It is my humble appeal on behalf of the people of Karnataka, where all selections -- Tamilians, Kannadigs, Andhraits and people from North India -- are there. Please permit us for Makedatu, don't object, we will cooperate in whatever way we can."

Shivakumar informed that 1.5 Thousand Million Cubic Feet (TMCFT) of water is flowing to Biligundlu in Tamil Nadu daily, with increase in the inflow into the four major reservoirs in the Cauvery river basin in his State, following good rains in the catchment areas.

Also the Water Resources Minister, he said: "If things continue this way the problem in releasing water to Tamil Nadu may probably get sorted out."

"The inflow into Harangi is 12,827 cusecs, Hemavati is 14,027 cusecs, to KRS 25,933 cusecs, and to Kabini it is 22,840 cusecs," Shivakumar said. -Salar News with agencies