Mekedatu reservoir: TN strongly opposes Karnataka Dy CM's remarks

The Tamil Nadu government on Wednesday (May 31) strongly opposed Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s reported remarks on his state going ahead with the construction of a reservoir across river Cauvery at Mekedatu, expressing surprise over his ‘teasing’ the neighbour within days of coming to power.

Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Water Resources Duraimurugan sought to remind Shivakumar that the proposed project in Karnataka found no mention in the order of the Cauvery disputes tribunal or the Supreme Court’s final verdict.

“I am surprised that Shivakumar is resorting to teasing a neighbouring state within days of being sworn-in (as deputy CM). I believe the officials have not explained the full details of Mekedatu,” he said in a statement in Chennai.

Also read: Why there’s a flurry of action in Mekedatu project again

Duraimurugan, the senior-most minister in the State Cabinet after Chief Minister MK Stalin, was responding to reports in a section of media that claimed Shivakumar expressed his government’s resolve to construct the balancing reservoir across the inter-state Cauvery at Mekedatu. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka were locked in a dispute over the sharing of river water.

“The said project or any other unapproved construction will affect Tamil Nadu’s interests,” Duraimurugan added.

“It is not welcome to say that the reservoir will be constructed in the uncontrolled intermediate catchment area where TN has its rights,” he added.

“Tamil Nadu will oppose at all levels, if Karnataka plans to construct the reservoir at Mekedatu. Soon there will be an opportunity to meet you. I think the issue can be discussed in detail then. I think honourable Shivakumar will remain patient till then,” Duraimurugan told the neighbouring state’s deputy Chief Minister.

Also read: Action on to stop Mekedatu, picking water samples near inter-state border for quality check: TN

The Mekedatu multi-purpose (drinking and power) project involves building a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district of Karnataka.

The project, once completed, is aimed at ensuring drinking water to Bengaluru and neighbouring areas (4.75 TMC) and generate 400 MW power. The estimated cost of the project is ₹9,000 crore.

Incidentally, Shivakumar, who represents Kanakapura, had undertaken a ‘padayatra’ in January last year, demanding the implementation of the project. His party, the Congress, was in the Opposition then.

(With agency inputs)