Mekedatu project: Survey has begun to ascertain extent of area that will get submerged, says DKS

Officials of the Revenue and Forest departments are undertaking a survey to ascertain the extent of land that would get submerged owing to the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project proposed near Kanakapura, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said on Sunday.

“The office for the Mekedatu project has been established. Revenue and Forest officials are undertaking a survey to ascertain the extent of land that will get submerged. A big work of bringing the Cauvery water to improve the lives of people is under way,” he said at Bhoohalli-Hoskere, near Kanakapura after laying the foundation stone to development works.

He said he had brought ₹400 crore grants to the Kanakapura Assembly constituency. “If I get big grants at a time, representatives of other constituencies may question. Grants will be brought in stages to fulfill the aspirations of people. About ₹250 crore worth works are being undertaken from the Water Resources Department alone here,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said he would strive to fill as many tanks as possible and that this would be taken up in phases during the current regime. “I am happy about the project to bring water from Sangama to fill 21 lakes in this region,” he said after laying the foundation stone for the project near Sangama. He also laid the foundation stone to construct a series of check dams to enable water flow into the Arkavati.

Reiterating his appeal to people not to sell their land as land prices could go up, the Deputy Chief Minister said that since silk imports from China had come down, the price of locally grown mulberry had increased. “That is why you should not sell land. You will get a good price,” he said.