AIADMK, PMK Oppose Mekedatu Project, Urge Centre to Reject DPR

Political parties in Tamil Nadu on Friday stepped up opposition to Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery River, with AIADMK and PMK leaders urging the State and Central governments to protect Tamil Nadu’s water rights.

Edappadi K. Palaniswami accused the Karnataka government of undermining Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery waters while alleging that the Tamil Nadu government was remaining passive on the issue.

The controversy intensified after D. K. Shivakumar reportedly said Tamil Nadu had no right to oppose the project and that Karnataka would proceed after securing approvals.

Karnataka plans to build a balancing reservoir at Mekedatu to meet Bengaluru’s drinking water and power needs. However, Tamil Nadu fears the project could reduce downstream water flow and affect farmers in the Cauvery Delta districts .

Palaniswami said the river is the lifeline of the Delta region and a major drinking water source for nearly 20 districts. He warned that the project could severely impact agriculture in the state.

Anbumani Ramadoss also urged the Centre not to accept Karnataka’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) and demanded withdrawal of the 2018 approval granted for preparing it without Tamil Nadu’s consent.

Ramadoss said the Cauvery supports irrigation in 14 districts and provides drinking water to nearly five crore people across 30 districts , including Chennai. He cited the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Supreme Court rulings, claiming Karnataka cannot undertake construction without Tamil Nadu’s approval.

Both leaders demanded that the Tamil Nadu government announce a clear stand and immediately act against Karnataka’s proposed project.