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Mekedatu row: Vijay urges PM to halt Karnataka dam

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In short

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has petitioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene following a recent federal site inspection at the proposed Mekedatu dam site. The state insists that Karnataka must not advance the balancing reservoir project near Kanakapura without the direct consent of other basin states. With the planned 67.16 thousand million cubic feet capacity threatening vital downstream supplies, Tamil Nadu argues the development risks its already apportioned river resources.

Key points

  • Tamil Nadu contends that the dam could restrict downstream river flows and disrupt mandat…: Tamil Nadu contends that the dam could restrict downstream river flows and disrupt mandated monthly water deliveries.
  • Downstream authorities maintain that Karnataka must obtain prior consent from all Cauvery…: Downstream authorities maintain that Karnataka must obtain prior consent from all Cauvery basin states before construction begins.
  • Karnataka continues to defend the project by asserting that the reservoir will not advers…: Karnataka continues to defend the project by asserting that the reservoir will not adversely impact Tamil Nadu's water supply.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Vijay expressed concern over the recent site inspection conducted by Union government officials in connection with Karnataka's proposed project. He urged the Centre to defer any further administrative or technical action arising from the inspection.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also asked Modi to advise Karnataka against proceeding with the project without obtaining the consent of the other Cauvery basin states.

Also read: TN CM Vijay orders implementation of ₹2000 cr ‘Vetri Laptop Scheme,’ Government says

Vijay said the proposed 67.16 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) reservoir would not merely prevent the flow of Cauvery water into Tamil Nadu but could also affect the state's monthly water deliveries. He stressed that ensuring sustained water availability in the Cauvery basin was essential to protecting Tamil Nadu's interests.

What is the Mekedatu project?

The Mekedatu project is a proposed balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river in Karnataka, near Kanakapura. Karnataka has proposed the project to meet Bengaluru's drinking water requirements and generate hydroelectric power. The state has maintained that the project would not adversely affect…

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