Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Opposes Mekedatu Dam, Seeks PM Modi's Intervention
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to reject Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river. In his letter, Vijay argued that the project violates Supreme Court judgments and poses a serious threat to Tamil Nadu farmers who depend on Cauvery water for irrigation.
The Chief Minister chaired a high-level meeting in Chennai on Tuesday, where he directed immediate legal action against the proposal. He instructed state officials to prepare a comprehensive legal strategy to challenge the project before the Cauvery Water Management Authority and the Supreme Court.
Vijay's letter comes ahead of his scheduled visit to Delhi later this week, where he is expected to raise the issue with central leaders. He emphasized that the Mekedatu project would reduce water flow to Tamil Nadu, affecting the livelihoods of millions of farmers in the Cauvery delta region.
Meanwhile, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed that the state would soon submit the detailed project report to the Centre. He defended the project as essential for meeting Bengaluru's drinking water needs and generating hydroelectric power. Shivakumar expressed confidence that the project would receive necessary clearances.
The dispute has once again intensified tensions over the sensitive Cauvery water-sharing issue. The river has been a source of conflict between the two states for decades, with several agreements and court rulings failing to resolve the matter permanently.
Legal experts note that the Mekedatu project requires clearance from multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Cauvery Water Management Authority. The Supreme Court's 2018 judgment on Cauvery water sharing had directed that no new projects should be undertaken without the authority's approval.
Political analysts view the timing of Vijay's letter as significant, coming just before his Delhi visit. The Chief Minister is expected to meet with Union ministers and other key political figures to build support against the project. The Tamil Nadu government has also planned a statewide farmers' protest to highlight the issue.
Karnataka maintains that the project is within its rights and will not affect Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water. The state argues that the dam will store excess water during floods and release it during lean periods, benefiting both states. However, Tamil Nadu rejects this claim, pointing to past instances where Karnataka's upstream projects have reduced water flow.
The Cauvery Water Management Authority is expected to review the project proposal after Karnataka submits the detailed report. The authority's decision could have far-reaching implications for the water security of both states. The Tamil Nadu government has vowed to pursue all legal and political avenues to oppose the project.
