Following the Supreme Court’s favourable decision regarding Karnataka’s stance, the State Government has issued an order to constitute a dedicated team to ensure the swift implementation of the Mekedatu
Balanced Reservoir Project. The team will be led by the Director of the Karnataka Engineering Research Station (KERS).
This newly formed team, which includes a Deputy Chief Engineer and other personnel, will establish its central operating office in Ramanagara, located in the Bengaluru South District. The order confirms that the Mekedatu Project office will be permanently set up in Ramanagara to effectively manage the project’s execution.
The government’s decision to entrust the responsibility to KERS stems from a need to avoid potential delays. During a meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on November 18, 2025, it was initially resolved to start new offices for a Chief Engineer and a Superintending Engineer for the project’s quick execution. However, creating new offices and posts requires prior financial clearance from the Finance Department, a process that can be very time-consuming. To overcome these bureaucratic hurdles and ensure immediate progress, the state government has assigned the execution responsibility directly to the Director of KERS.
KERS will form the implementation team by utilising its existing officers and employees. The team structure is comprehensive, consisting of one Executive Engineer, three Technical Assistants, six Assistant Engineers, one Assistant Administrative Officer, one Accounts Superintendent, one Superintendent, one First Division Accounts Assistant, two First Division Assistants, one Second Division Accounts Assistant, four Second Division Assistants, one Stenographer, four Typists, one Vehicle Driver, two Group D staff members, and one Watchman.
The Cauvery Neeravari Nigama Limited (KNNL) will take the necessary steps to arrange the building for the Mekedatu Project office. The team will operate under the supervision of the Managing Director of KNNL, and all expenses, including office maintenance, infrastructure, and other costs, will be met by grants from KNNL. The government order further instructs the Managing Director of KNNL to hand over all files, correspondence, and other relevant documents concerning the Mekedatu project implementation to the KERS Director.
