Wednesday’s protests were raised by several organizations led by Chetan Kumar, an Indian water conservationist and actor, against the Karnataka government’s decision to build the Mekedatu reservoir.
Chetan stated that the Mekedatu Project is not in the public’s best interests. It is only being implemented for the political and economic gain of vested interests. This project is political propaganda, but it will cost citizens. It will also displace many poor people and cause damage to the environment.
Rajendra Singh, a prominent water conservationist who was also present at the press conference, stated that the project was not sustainable and that it was important for the government’s to rethink the plan. A community-driven, decentralised model can be the only way to solve the water woes in Bengaluru. A dam built with thousands and crores is not a solution. It will only help political parties.
After the Budget saw the BJP-led Karnataka government allocate Rs 1,000 crore to the Mekedatu project, the press meeting was held. The Congress also demanded the project’s implementation.
Chetan stated that the government should concentrate on replenishing eco-friendly water resources. The government should be focusing on reviving lakes, replenishing underground water, implementing rainwater Harvesting Systems at a larger scale, as well as upgrading sewage water treatment plant. However, a dam will only increase carbon emissions and affect many people’s lives.
Chetan, speaking about his recent arrest in relation to a tweet he made against a Karnataka High Court judge hearing cases on the hijab dispute, said that Norms were not respected while he was being arrested. My tweet did not contain any derogatory language and anyone has the right to ask. It could have been raised in a different manner if that was a problem. They charged me with Sections 505(2) (Statements creating, promoting hatred or enmity between classes) as well as 504 (Intentional insult with the intent to provoke breach.
Although it was a scare tactic, I will never forget to question. I’m ready for another trip to jail. After the Gauri Lankesh case, a gunman was given to me. However, the police have now taken it back. He added that he had asked them to send a second gunman.
According to a 2013 feasibility report, the reservoir would be built on an area of 5,252 ha, which includes 1,869 ha of reserve forest land. It would store 67.16 million cubic feet (TMCF), of which 4.75 TMC would be delivered to the capital and surrounding areas. According to the feasibility report, the project, which was estimated at Rs 5,000 crore, would also produce 400 Megawatts of hydroelectric power. However, the project’s cost has risen to Rs 9,900 crore.
