Karnataka seeks Centre's fast-track clearance for Mekedatu and Sharavati infrastructure projects
The state has requested survey approvals for drinking water and clean energy proposals while asking to complete physical ground assessments in the Western Ghats.
Fast-tracking infrastructure and water security
Karnataka has formally requested the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change to expedite clearance processes for critical state development initiatives, including the Mekedatu drinking water survey and the Sharavati pumped storage energy project.
In a meeting with Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar presented the state's developmental priorities. The proposals focus on accelerating preliminary survey work for drinking water security while expanding clean energy capacity to support long-term regional economic growth.
The request for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir centers on non-invasive preliminary site work within the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Karnataka submitted a proposal on July 1 seeking permission to drill 20 test boreholes over an area of 0.0000352 hectares. Shivakumar clarified that the current application is restricted to essential geotechnical investigations and does not involve the diversion of protected sanctuary land. The Union Environment Ministry requested details on ongoing petitions before the Supreme Court, which the state confirmed will be submitted shortly.
Key proposals submitted to the Centre
| Project / Issue | Location / Scope | Core Request to Centre | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mekedatu Reservoir | Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary | Fast-track survey permission | Permission to drill 20 boreholes across 0.0000352 hectares for geotechnical studies |
| Sharavati Pumped Storage | Shivamogga & Uttara Kannada | NBWL Standing Committee approval | Clean energy project proposed by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited |
| Western Ghats ESA | 56,825.7 sq km draft region | Defer final notification | Allow state to conduct comprehensive one-year physical ground survey |
| Belagavi Industrial Unit | Belagavi district | Exclusion from Eco-Sensitive Zone | Protects local employment at Eco Cane Sugar and Energy Ltd |
Clean energy expansion and environmental surveys
Alongside water infrastructure, Karnataka is seeking approval from the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) for the ₹10,000-crore Sharavati Pumped Storage project in Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada districts. Proposed by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited, the energy project is designed to strengthen power grid stability and advance sustainable power generation.
On environmental policy, the state requested the Centre to defer finalising the seventh draft notification regarding the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), which covers 56,825.7 sq. km under the Kasturirangan report guidelines. Karnataka advocated for completing a detailed, ground-level physical survey before any final notification is issued. Following a high-level state committee report, Karnataka plans to conduct a physical survey over one year to ensure accurate boundary identification that balances conservation with local community needs.
Additionally, Shivakumar raised a regional economic priority concerning Eco Cane Sugar and Energy Ltd in Belagavi district. Established prior to 2016, the facility supports 500 direct employees and nearly 5,000 local farming families. The state requested its exclusion from proposed Eco-Sensitive Zone restrictions to safeguard rural livelihoods.
During his visit to the capital, the Chief Minister also held discussions with Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya Scindia on state infrastructure and development.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Mekedatu borehole survey area | 0.0000352 hectares | Karnataka state representation to the Union Environment Ministry |
| Mekedatu survey test boreholes requested | 20 | Karnataka state representation to the Union Environment Ministry |
| Sharavati project cost | ₹10,000 crore | Karnataka Power Corporation Limited proposal |
| Western Ghats draft ESA area | 56,825.7 sq. km | Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change draft notification |
| Eco Cane Sugar employees and dependent families | 500 employees, 5,000 families | Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar representation |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Bhupender Yadav | Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change. |
| D.K. Shivakumar | Chief Minister of Karnataka who met Union Ministers in New Delhi. |
| Karnataka | State requesting fast-track environmental and wildlife clearances. |
| Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary | Location of proposed 20 test boreholes for Mekedatu geotechnical survey. |
| Karnataka Power Corporation Limited | Proponent of the Sharavati Pumped Storage project. |
| National Board for Wildlife | Body requested to grant wildlife clearances for state projects. |
