New Delhi: The proposed Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery river has triggered a political confrontation within the Congress, with its Karnataka and Tamil Nadu leaders taking opposing positions. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has firmly defended the project, while Tamil Nadu Congress president Manickam Tagore has strongly criticised his remarks, calling them unacceptable.
The controversy intensified after Shivakumar urged the Centre to expedite statutory clearances for the proposed dam during an event attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Bengaluru on Friday. He maintained that the Supreme Court had cleared the way for the project and asserted that nobody could prevent its construction.
Reacting to the statement, Tagore accused the Karnataka Chief Minister of adopting a rigid position that goes against Tamil Nadu’s interests. He argued that Shivakumar’s remarks disregard the Supreme Court’s directions and the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.
Tagore also highlighted Karnataka’s position as an upper riparian state, arguing that it cannot independently undertake a project that could affect the water rights of downstream states. He urged the Centre not to grant any approval without obtaining Tamil Nadu’s consent, warning that the project could seriously affect farmers in the Cauvery delta districts.
He further asserted that the Centre must prevent construction work from beginning and declared that the Tamil Nadu Congress would oppose the project at every level to safeguard the state’s interests.
Responding to the criticism, Shivakumar reiterated that the dam could not be stopped. He said Tagore was entitled to defend Tamil Nadu’s interests but claimed that he did not have a complete understanding of the project. He also invited Tagore to visit Karnataka with a delegation to inspect the dam site and understand its benefits.
Meanwhile, the political opposition in Tamil Nadu has also intensified. Former Chief Minister MK Stalin urged the Vijay-led state government to take immediate action, describing the Cauvery dispute as a matter of life and death for Tamil Nadu.
The proposed Mekedatu reservoir in Bengaluru South district is intended to provide drinking water to Bengaluru and generate 400 MW of electricity. Karnataka maintains that Tamil Nadu’s allocated share of Cauvery water will remain protected. However, Tamil Nadu continues to oppose the project over concerns about water sharing and its potential impact on downstream farmers.
