India, Aug. 1 -- Chief minister D K Shivakumar on Friday defended the proposed Mekedatu reservoir after the Centre returned the project's detailed report for revisions, saying the scheme would primarily serve drinking water and power needs and would not be used for irrigation.

"Mekedatu will benefit Tamil Nadu more than Karnataka. We will use it only for generating 400 MW of electricity and for drinking water. The 66 TMC of water will not be used for irrigation under any circumstances," Shivakumar said.

Shivakumar also rejected reports that the project report had been turned down, saying the Centre had instead sought additional information. "It is not a rejection. They have sought clarification on some issues, and we will provide those ...