Bengaluru, June 22, 2026: The long-running Mekedatu dam dispute has intensified after Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded to Tamil Nadu’s recent Assembly resolution opposing the project. While Karnataka has agreed to review the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Shivakumar made it clear that his government will not compromise on Karnataka’s water rights or Bengaluru’s drinking water needs.
Tamil Nadu Passes Resolution Against Mekedatu
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay recently moved a special resolution in the Assembly opposing the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. The resolution was passed unanimously by the House.
Tamil Nadu urged the Union Government not to grant technical, environmental, or statutory clearances for the project. The state argued that the proposed dam would violate the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and Supreme Court orders governing water sharing between the two states.
The resolution also expressed concerns about the impact of the project on water availability for Tamil Nadu farmers and residents.
Karnataka Defends the Project
Responding to Tamil Nadu’s objections, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the Mekedatu project. He said the proposed reservoir is intended mainly to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and nearby regions. According to Karnataka, the project will supply around 4.75 TMC of drinking water to meet the growing needs of the state’s capital city. Shivakumar said Bengaluru’s water demand continues to increase due to rapid urban growth and population expansion.
Karnataka Reaffirms Cauvery Commitment
The Karnataka Chief Minister also stated that his government remains committed to releasing water to Tamil Nadu as directed by the Supreme Court. He reiterated that Karnataka will continue to release the mandated 177.25 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. At the same time, he stressed that Karnataka cannot ignore the drinking water needs of Bengaluru’s residents.
Talks Possible, But No Compromise on Water Needs
Shivakumar indicated that Karnataka is open to discussions with Tamil Nadu to resolve the decades-old dispute. However, he emphasized that Bengaluru’s drinking water requirements remain a priority for his government. described the Mekedatu issue as a long-standing political and inter-state challenge that requires dialogue and cooperation.
A Four-Decade-Old Dispute
The Mekedatu project has remained one of the most sensitive issues between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for decades. Supporters of the project argue that it will help store water for drinking purposes and improve water management. Opponents in Tamil Nadu fear that the reservoir could affect downstream water flow and impact farmers dependent on Cauvery water.
With both states maintaining firm positions, the future of the project is likely to depend on further discussions between the two governments and decisions by the Union Government. For now, the Mekedatu issue continues to remain at the center of political and water-sharing debates in southern India.