CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Monday unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu Dam Project across the Cauvery River, urging the Union Government and the Central Water Commission not to grant any technical, environmental or statutory clearances for the project.
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay moved the resolution in the House, reiterating Tamil Nadu’s long-standing opposition to the proposed balancing reservoir. The state government argued that the project could adversely affect Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water and violate existing legal arrangements governing water sharing between the two states.
Moving the resolution, Vijay said the Cauvery is already a deficit river basin and that the available water has been fully apportioned through the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and subsequent Supreme Court judgments.
The resolution stated that Karnataka cannot proceed with a unilateral project that could impact downstream states, particularly Tamil Nadu, which depends heavily on Cauvery water for drinking and irrigation purposes.
Centre Asked to Reject Proposal
The Assembly urged the Centre to reject Karnataka’s proposal and prevent the project from moving forward. It also called upon the Central Water Commission and other authorities not to issue any approvals related to the project.
According to the resolution, the proposed reservoir violates the existing framework governing Cauvery water sharing and goes against the spirit of the tribunal award and Supreme Court rulings.
The state government maintained that protecting Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of Cauvery water remains a top priority.
Karnataka Continues to Back Project
Meanwhile, Karnataka has continued to strongly defend the Mekedatu project.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has repeatedly stated that the project is meant to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding areas. He has argued that the reservoir is essential to meet the growing water demands of the state’s capital city.
At the same time, Karnataka has maintained that it will continue releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu as directed by the Supreme Court.
Tribunal Demand Triggers Political Debate
One of the notable aspects of the resolution is its demand for the formation of a new tribunal to address the dispute.
However, the proposal has sparked debate within Tamil Nadu’s political circles. Several leaders, including those from the PMK, have questioned the need for a fresh tribunal.
They argue that reopening the issue could create new legal complications and delay efforts to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s existing rights under current tribunal awards and court orders.
Political observers believe the demand could become a fresh point of discussion in the coming weeks.
Decades-Old Dispute Continues
The Mekedatu project remains one of the most contentious issues between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
While Karnataka views the project as a solution to Bengaluru’s future drinking water needs, Tamil Nadu fears it could affect water availability downstream and impact farmers dependent on the Cauvery basin.
With both states standing firm on their positions, the Mekedatu dispute is likely to remain a major political, legal and inter-state issue in the months ahead.