Karnataka CM appeals to Tamil Nadu CM for Mekedatu project cooperation
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged C Joseph Vijay to work together on the proposed balancing reservoir to end interstate water disputes.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to cooperate on the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir. According to Moneycontrol, Shivakumar stated that the era of interstate water disputes has ended and both states should work together.
Shivakumar asserted that the state is following the Supreme Court's legal framework, which requires Karnataka to provide 177 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu annually. He maintained that the state is permitted to construct the dam on its own land provided it meets the water-sharing requirement.
The Chief Minister described the project as a balancing reservoir that would assist both states during water shortages. He noted that Tamil Nadu would see significant benefits from the facility.
To address environmental needs, Shivakumar said Karnataka has started compensatory afforestation by identifying approximately 5,400 hectares of forest land to be handed over to the Forest Department. He mentioned that once this process is complete, the water commission will need to make a decision.
Shivakumar requested that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister send a team to discuss the project, promising that Karnataka would honour its commitments. He added that leaders from the BJP and NDA have also expressed support for the state's position.
The Chief Minister concluded by stating that the Cauvery river supports drinking water, agriculture, livestock, and industries across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Kerala.