Mekedatu, Cauvery on the table: Shivakumar speaks, Vijay stays silent, says DMK
The proposed Mekedatu dam project became a major point of discussion at a meeting of southern Chief Ministers, with differences emerging between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over the project.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar supported the construction of the Mekedatu project and highlighted its importance for Karnataka. The project has been a long-standing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu because both states have different views on the use and sharing of Cauvery river water.
Tamil Nadu has strongly opposed the proposed dam, arguing that it could affect the state’s share of Cauvery water. Karnataka, on the other hand, has maintained that the project would help meet the state’s drinking water needs and provide other benefits.
The issue became more politically sensitive during the meeting when DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay over his response to the project. Maran alleged that the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister remained silent instead of clearly opposing the Mekedatu proposal.
The remarks have added a political dimension to the long-running dispute. The Mekedatu project has previously led to strong reactions from political parties and farmer groups in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
The proposed dam is planned across the Cauvery river near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border. Karnataka has argued that the project could help provide drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding areas, while also helping regulate water during certain periods.
Tamil Nadu has raised concerns that the dam could affect the flow of Cauvery water into the state. The state has therefore consistently opposed Karnataka’s efforts to move forward with the project.
The latest disagreement shows that the Mekedatu issue remains a sensitive subject in southern India. Water-sharing disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu have a long history, particularly over the Cauvery river.
The meeting was expected to provide an opportunity for southern states to discuss common issues and development needs. However, the Mekedatu project once again highlighted the different priorities of the two neighbouring states.
With Karnataka continuing to support the project and Tamil Nadu maintaining its opposition, the issue is likely to remain an important political and water-management concern. Further discussions between the two states and relevant authorities may be needed before any progress can be made on the project.