Bengaluru: The state government, which has invited “Global Expression of Interest' for constructing a dam across the Cauvery river near Mekedatu, is keeping its options open on either building a single reservoir or several smaller reservoirs across the basin.
Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, water resources minister, M B Patil, asserted that either way the government would not compromise on storing 50 tmc ft of water at Mekedatu.
While the survey conducted had identified 24 points for building reservoirs, the government was now open to building one small dam near Mekedatu and storing the excess water in reservoirs like Manchanabele, Harohalli and Kanva in the Cauvery basin, he explained.
On Tamil Nadu's objections to the project, Mr Patil shrugged that it was its prerogative to raise them. “However, we have the right to construct dams to utilise our share of water. We have taken legal opinion on the issue,” he said, revealing that the Global Expression of Interest invited had so far received response from countries like China, Germany and Canada.
The Global Expression of Interest invited for rejuvenation of the Arkavathy river valley and restoration of the Tungabhadra dam too has received good response, according to him “The tender process for all three projects will be completed by December end,” the minister assured. Tamil Nadu has objected to the construction of the dam at Mekedatu
