DK Shivakumar asked Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil to speed up clearances for Mekedatu and other pending water projects. He said early action on tribunal, funding and link proposals was vital for Karnataka's irrigation and drinking water plans.

Karnataka has again urged the Centre to expedite clearance for the ₹16,745-crore Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project and has sought early appraisal and approval of the detailed project report (DPR) by the Central Water Commission (CWC). The State has also conveyed its in-principle concurrence to the Godavari-Cauvery Link and Bedti-Varada (Hirevadatti) Link projects, subject to certain considerations.