Name: Meghadatu (also spelled Mekedatu).

Meaning: “Goat’s Leap” in Kannada, referring to the narrow gorge in the river where it is believed a goat leaped to escape a tiger.

Key Facts:

  1. Location:
    • Proposed on the Cauvery River at Meghadatu, near the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavathi Rivers in Karnataka.
  2. Purpose:
    • To construct a multi-purpose balancing reservoir to:
      • Augment drinking water supply to Bengaluru.
      • Generate hydroelectric power.
  1. States Involved:
    • Primarily Karnataka (proposing state).
    • Tamil Nadu (downstream state and opposing the project).
  2. Status:
    • Awaiting clearance from the Central Water Commission (CWC) and other authorities.
    • Tamil Nadu has opposed the project, citing its impact on the water flow mandated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Supreme Court rulings.
  3. Tamil Nadu’s Stand:
    • Tamil Nadu argues that:
      • It will affect its water share as per the Cauvery Water Sharing Agreement.
      • Reduce water availability for agriculture and drinking purposes in Tamil Nadu.
      • Violates the Supreme Court judgment of 2018 on the Cauvery dispute.
  1. Karnataka’s Stand:
    • Claims the project will not affect Tamil Nadu’s share.
    • Focused on addressing Bengaluru’s water needs.
  2. Environmental Concerns:
    • The proposed project site lies in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, a protected area.

Concerns about biodiversity loss and ecological impacts.