The concept of constructing a balancing reservoir for the Tungabhadra reservoir has been around for many years, but only recently gained traction. This project is intended to address the reduced water storage capacity caused by silt accumulation in the Tungabhadra reservoir.
Five major irrigation and drinking water projects in Karnataka have been stalled for years, with some facing delays spanning decades, depriving farmers and citizens of their benefits.
These projects—Navali, Mahadayi, Mekedatu, Upper Bhadra, and Upper Krishna—have a combined cost exceeding ₹1.5 lakh crore and aim to cover about 8 lakh hectares. However, recent developments have added new challenges.
The Navali reservoir would receive around 32 tmc ft of water and have a capacity of about 45 tmc ft. Although ₹1,000 crore was allocated for this in the 2022-23 budget, lack of funds and consultations with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have caused further delays.
The National Wildlife Board (NWB) recently denied clearance for the Mahadayi project but approved the Goa-Tamnar 400 kV power transmission line instead. Additionally, on September 5, the Jal Shakti Ministry informed Karnataka that funding for the Upper Bhadra project would depend on “available funds and geographical distribution.” In response, the state cabinet plans to send a delegation to PM Modi to address what they see as “injustice” towards Kannadigas. Supreme Court senior advocate Mohan Katarki highlighted Karnataka’s successful advocacy in the Cauvery and Krishna water disputes but noted that the Mahadayi project remains tangled in environmental issues, despite favorable water allocation.
