'Tamil Nadu Will Benefit, Not Karnataka': CM DK Shivakumar's Big Remark on Mekedatu Dam

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has defended the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, asserting that it would benefit Tamil Nadu more than Karnataka and would not affect the neighbouring state's allocated share of Cauvery water.

Responding to objections raised by Tamil Nadu and appeals seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention against the project, Shivakumar urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to review the Supreme Court's orders and understand the project's purpose.

Shivakumar said Karnataka intends to use the reservoir primarily to meet Bengaluru's drinking water requirements and generate electricity, while continuing to honour its commitment to release 177 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of Cauvery water annually to Tamil Nadu.

"The Supreme Court has already given a clear order. It is the right of Karnataka to build a dam, and it is the right of Tamil Nadu to receive water," he said, maintaining that the state was acting within the legal framework.

Describing Mekedatu as a balancing reservoir, Shivakumar argued that it would help regulate water availability during shortages and ultimately benefit Tamil Nadu, the lower riparian state. He also urged the Tamil Nadu government to send an official team to inspect the project site, assuring that Karnataka would not misuse the stored water.

On environmental requirements, Shivakumar said Karnataka had identified approximately 5,400 hectares of alternative forest land for compensatory afforestation. The identified land would be handed over to the Forest Department, following which the state would approach the authorities concerned. The Water Commission would take the necessary decision, he added.

He further said the project had received support from BJP and NDA leaders in Karnataka, indicating unity across party lines on the issue.

Appealing to Vijay to cooperate, Shivakumar said the time for interstate disputes was over and urged both states to respect the Supreme Court's verdict, share Cauvery water and work together.

He reiterated that Karnataka would fulfil its water-sharing obligations and that the Mekedatu project should be viewed as a mechanism to manage water resources rather than a source of conflict between the two states.