Karnataka CM appeals to Tamil Nadu CM for unity on Mekedatu dam
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar called for cooperation on the reservoir project, while Tamil Nadu CM Vijay urged the Prime Minister to halt approvals.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay for cooperation regarding the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir. According to ANI, Shivakumar stated that the era of interstate water conflicts has ended and urged for unity between the two states.
Shivakumar said that Karnataka is following the legal framework set by the Supreme Court of India, which requires the release of 177 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu annually. He noted that the reservoir would serve as a balancing system to help the region during periods of low water availability.
The Chief Minister added that the state has already started identifying 5,400 hectares of forest land for compensatory afforestation to meet environmental needs. He also mentioned that leaders from the BJP and NDA support the matter and invited a team from Tamil Nadu to ensure the water is not misused.
However, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has expressed concerns regarding the project. According to The Federal and The Economic Times, Vijay wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting that no statutory or administrative approvals be granted for the Mekedatu project without the consent of co-basin states.
Vijay argued that the proposed 67.16 TMC reservoir could disrupt the monthly water deliveries to Tamil Nadu as stipulated by the Supreme Court. He also requested that the Centre defer any technical actions or site inspections following recent visits by Union government officials.
The Mekedatu project is a proposed reservoir near Kanakapura intended to meet drinking water needs for Bengaluru and generate hydroelectric power. While Karnataka maintains the project will not harm Tamil Nadu, the latter argues it could affect its allocated water supply.