Mekedatu controversy: Why is CM Vijay government unanimously opposing Karnataka’s dam plan?
Chennai: In a major political escalation over the Cauvery water row, the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Friday unanimously rejected Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam proposal, sending a strong signal to both the Union government and the neighbouring state.
Background: long-standing Cauvery dispute
The Cauvery river water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka has been a decades-old inter-state conflict centred on sharing water from the river basin. Tamil Nadu has repeatedly raised concerns over upstream utilisation affecting its irrigation needs, while Karnataka has maintained its right over water usage within its territory.
Assembly passes unanimous resolution
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Friday unanimously adopted a resolution strongly opposing Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery River. The House urged the Union government not to grant any form of approval, including technical and environmental clearances, for the project.
CM’s stand and legal basis
Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, who moved the resolution, said Tamil Nadu strongly objects to any unilateral attempt by Karnataka to construct the dam without the consent of all Cauvery basin states. He noted that the move violates established legal frameworks, including the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and Supreme Court judgments.
Cauvery basin classification and concerns
The Assembly reiterated that the Cauvery basin is classified as a deficit basin, with water allocations already finalised among the basin states. It maintained that no new storage or diversion project should be permitted without mutual agreement and central approval.
During the debate, leaders from both ruling and opposition parties, including DMK and AIADMK, extended support to the resolution. They stressed that Tamil Nadu must safeguard its water rights and protect farmers who depend on Cauvery irrigation.
Demand to Centre and CWC
The House urged the Union government to instruct the Central Water Commission not to process Karnataka’s Detailed Project Report for the Mekedatu project. It also called for the formation of a united delegation of Tamil Nadu MPs and MLAs to meet the Prime Minister and present the state’s concerns.
Speakers highlighted that any upstream storage project could impact water availability in Tamil Nadu, directly affecting agriculture and rural livelihoods. They warned that such developments could further intensify inter-state tensions.
The resolution was passed unanimously, reflecting a rare political consensus in the state. It reinforces Tamil Nadu’s continued opposition to the Mekedatu dam project and signals a firm stance ahead of any central-level consideration of the proposal.