The Mekedatu project received a fresh push from Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who said the state had decided to provide alternative land for forest areas linked to the project and was ready to offer land for an Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) facility in Mandya.
Shivakumar made the statements on Saturday at an event held at the Mandya University campus, where the foundation stones were laid and development works worth ₹1,793 crore were inaugurated across Mandya district. The report did not provide a project-wise break-up of the amount.
On the Mekedatu project, the Chief Minister said a committee headed by the deputy commissioner had been formed to support its implementation. He said the state had decided to provide alternative land to the Forest Department and had already made 2,500 acres available. The remaining land would also be provided, he said.
According to Shivakumar, details of the alternative land proposed for forest land connected with the project would be published on the Forest Department’s portal. He added that the Centre should grant approval for the project at the earliest. Land acquisition would begin after the required approval was received, he said.
The Mekedatu project has implications for Karnataka’s water infrastructure and its long-running water dispute with Tamil Nadu. Shivakumar said implementation would benefit both states. The statement, however, did not specify the stage of approvals pending from the Centre or provide a revised implementation schedule.
The Chief Minister also responded to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s allegation that the Karnataka government was delaying land for an ARAI unit in Mandya. Shivakumar said the state was ready to provide the land required for establishing the facility.
He said ARAI had initially sought 100 acres but was now seeking 500 acres. The organisation’s officials should identify the land they required, he said, adding that the state would conduct land acquisition if necessary and provide the site.
Shivakumar also alleged that Kumaraswamy opposed land acquisition when the government moved to acquire land and simultaneously accused it of not providing land for the facility. These remarks were made in the context of a political dispute over the proposed unit.
The Chief Minister said the government would not misuse the authority given by the people. He also called for a strong Opposition that would criticise government mistakes and offer suggestions. He criticised the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular), alleging that they opposed the increase in milk prices introduced to support farmers.
The immediate administrative milestones stated at the event are the publication of alternative forest-land details, further allocation of land and the Centre’s approval for the Mekedatu project. The report did not state when these steps would be completed or identify the specific sites under consideration for the ARAI facility.
