The State government replied to clarifications sought by the Central Water Commission (CWC) on its proposal to build a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery at Mekedatu at a cost of Rs. 5,912 crore.

Disclosing this to reporters here on Tuesday, Karnataka Water Resources Minister M.B. Patil said it was natural for the CWC to seek clarifications as the issue involved an inter-State river. “However, we have clarified all the issues raised by the CWC,” he said.

Karnataka had sought the CWC’s permission to start work on Mekedatu project, which has been opposed by Tamil Nadu alleging that it violates the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal order. The State had submitted the Detailed Project Report on Mekedatu to the chief engineer of CWC on June 7. After this, the CWC sought a few clarifications on the DPR, including whether the project violates the final award of Tribunal and whether the construction of a balancing reservoir would affect flow of water to Tamil Nadu.