Mekedatu Project to Submerge Forestland in Mandya
The Mekedatu multi-purpose project on the Cauvery River is set to submerge 1,079 hectares of forestland in Mandya district, according to the latest environmental and land-use assessments. The project, aimed at water supply, hydroelectric generation, and irrigation benefits, has sparked concerns among environmentalists and local communities about the ecological and social impact of large-scale submergence.
Authorities have highlighted the project’s potential to improve water security and support regional agriculture, but experts warn that flooding this extensive forest area could threaten biodiversity, displace wildlife, and disrupt local livelihoods dependent on the forest.
Forest officials are reportedly working on mitigation measures, including compensatory afforestation and rehabilitation plans for affected communities. However, critics argue that these efforts may not fully offset the environmental loss. The project remains a flashpoint in Karnataka, reflecting the tension between developmental needs and ecological preservation.
