Karnataka advances pre‑construction work on Mekedatu dam

The Karnataka state government has begun preparing the site for the Mekedatu dam project. Scaffolding, concrete forms and steel reinforcement bars have been installed in the narrow gorge between two hills, where water flows from a depth of about 150 feet. The works were inspected on July 5 by P. R. Pandian, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Kaveri Farmers Association, who noted the presence of dense forest, elephants and tigers in the area. He called for coordination with the forest department and the Western Ghats conservation committee to mitigate environmental impact. The project aims to harness water from the Kaveri River, but local communities and wildlife officials have raised concerns about habitat disruption.