Strongly opposing the Union Government’s view that Tamil Nadu’s consent is not required for the construction of the Mekedatu Dam, CM Vijay has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene immediately to safeguard the livelihood of farmers.
Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay has strongly opposed the statement made by the Union Minister of State for Water Resources that Tamil Nadu’s consent is not required for Karnataka’s Mekedatu Dam project, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene immediately in the matter.
The response given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources Raj Bhushan, stating that Karnataka does not need the consent of Tamil Nadu—the lower riparian state—to construct the Mekedatu Dam across the Cauvery River, has sparked strong opposition. CM Vijay has demanded that the statement be withdrawn and has written a letter to Prime Minister Modi regarding the issue.
He pointed out that the Union Minister’s statement is contrary to the Supreme Court’s 2018 verdict and is deeply disappointing. In his letter, he reminded that the Cauvery is not merely a source of water but the lifeline of lakhs of farmers in Tamil Nadu. As per established principles, an upper riparian state cannot unilaterally construct a dam without the consent of the lower riparian state.
In his letter to the Prime Minister, CM Vijay stated, “The Union Government should not grant any legal or administrative approval for the Mekedatu Dam project. Any project that affects the quantity of water flowing to downstream states cannot be implemented without the consent of the concerned states.” He also requested that the Union Minister of State be directed to withdraw his statement immediately.
He further stated that if the Mekedatu Dam is constructed, there is a risk that the quantity and regular flow of Cauvery water allocated to Tamil Nadu cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, he stressed that any decision regarding the project should be taken only after comprehensive technical and legal assessments, and that construction work should not be allowed to begin without the formal consent of Tamil Nadu.
Chief Minister Vijay’s firm stand in protecting the river water rights of farmers is aimed at safeguarding Tamil Nadu’s interests in the Mekedatu issue. Whether the Union Government changes its position following the Prime Minister’s intervention will determine the next phase of developments in this inter-state river water dispute.
