Karnataka Government Greenlights Major Cauvery Stage VI Water Supply Project
The Karnataka state government, in a significant move on Thursday, granted approval for the ambitious Cauvery Stage VI project. This nearly Rs 7,000-crore initiative is designed to provide crucial drinking water to Kempegowda Layout, Shivarama Karanth Layout, and eight urban local bodies situated on the outskirts of Bengaluru. The project promises to deliver substantial benefits to approximately 30 lakh residents in these newly developed BDA layouts and ULBs over the coming years.
Key Details and Beneficiary Areas of the Project
The Cauvery Stage VI project will extend water supply to several urban local bodies, including Madanayakanahalli, Chikkabanavara, Hunasemaranahalli, Nelamangala, Hoskote, Devanahalli, Bashettihalli, and Vijayapura. To facilitate this large-scale infrastructure, the project requires 130 acres of land, valued at around Rs 1,800 crore. Funding for the endeavor is expected to be sourced from international agencies such as the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, among others.
The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) has been instrumental in this process, having prepared the comprehensive project report and submitted it to the government in 2025. This approval follows closely on the heels of the BWSSB inaugurating the Cauvery Stage V project just four months prior, which successfully added 775 million liters per day (MLD) of water to Bengaluru's supply network.
Cabinet Discussions and Deferral of Key Bills
During the cabinet meeting, two significant bills were discussed but ultimately deferred due to a lack of detailed information. The Karnataka Rohith Vemula (Prevention of Exclusion or Injustice) Bill, 2026, and the Karnataka Freedom of Choice in Marriage and Prevention and Prohibition of Crimes in the Name of Honour and Tradition Bill, 2026, were both sent back to the home department for further elaboration and clarification before proceeding.
Other Important Government Decisions
In addition to the water project, the Karnataka cabinet announced several other key decisions aimed at enhancing public welfare and infrastructure across the state:
- Establishment of Gruhalakshmi Cooperative Associations: The government plans to set up these associations to support community-based initiatives and economic empowerment.
- Authorization for District In-Charge Ministers: Ministers have been empowered to select beneficiaries for social welfare schemes in cases where MLA-headed committees fail to do so in a timely manner.
- Construction of a 100-Bed Taluk-Level Hospital: A new hospital will be built in Malur, Kolar district, at an estimated cost of Rs 41 crore, aimed at improving healthcare access in the region.
- Establishment of Computer Labs: Computer labs will be installed in 854 high schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya schools, with a total investment of Rs 44 crore, to boost digital literacy and educational resources.
These measures reflect the government's ongoing efforts to address critical infrastructure needs, promote social justice, and enhance public services across Karnataka, with a particular focus on the rapidly expanding urban areas around Bengaluru.
