Mysuru, 11 Nov 

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday renewed his push for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir in Kanakapura taluk, asserting that the project will not harm Tamil Nadu’s interests or affect the water-sharing agreement between the two states.

Speaking at a conference in Mysuru, he said, “Tamil Nadu should be given 177.25 TMC water, but we have released 150 TMC more, almost double the quota. The Mekedatu project will not affect their share.”

The Chief Minister noted that Karnataka and Tamil Nadu received good rainfall this year and that all reservoirs in the state are full. However, he said around 90 per cent crop loss was reported in parts of North Karnataka, affecting about 11 lakh hectares. Compensation of Rs 31,000 per hectare is being given for perennial crops and Rs 25,500 for irrigated areas, he said, adding that the government is committed to supporting affected farmers.

On cabinet expansion, Siddaramaiah said he had sought time from Rahul Gandhi during his Delhi visit for a book launch on 15 November. “If he gives time, I will discuss cabinet expansion; otherwise, I will return the same night,” he added.

On the Delhi car explosion, he said the incident could impact the Bihar elections and expressed sorrow over the loss of nine lives, adding that an investigation report was awaited.

Referring to the recent man-animal conflicts in Mysuru, Siddaramaiah said railway barricades would be installed in areas with frequent elephant incursions, replacing ineffective barbed-wire fencing. A state-level meeting will soon be held to devise long-term preventive measures.