Karnataka CM Defends Mekedatu Project Amid Criticism from Tamil Nadu Congress Leader

Bengaluru, November 14 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar responded on Saturday to criticism from Tamil Nadu Congress president Manickam Tagore regarding the proposed Mekedatu project. Shivakumar emphasized that Karnataka has the full right to construct the dam and dismissed the political criticisms as inconsequential. He invited Tamil Nadu leaders to visit Karnataka to better understand the benefits of the project.

Tagore has sparked controversy within the Congress party by opposing the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir project on the Cauvery River and criticizing Shivakumar. The Karnataka Congress government has positioned the Mekedatu project as one of its key initiatives.

In a media briefing in Bengaluru, Shivakumar condemned Tagore’s remarks, asserting that the project’s construction is not only lawful but also essential for the farmers of Tamil Nadu. He urged Tamil Nadu leaders to recognize the potential advantages of the project.

“I don’t care if anyone blames me. This is my state, and I have the right to this project. They should understand this as well. I invite them to come with a delegation. I will show them how this project can benefit them,” Shivakumar stated.

He pointed out that the issue is being viewed politically in Tamil Nadu, where various parties criticize Karnataka for their own political reasons. “I have no problem with that. It’s a political matter there. If Congress doesn’t criticize, DMK will. If DMK doesn’t, AIADMK will. There will always be criticism,” he added.

Addressing concerns over the project’s opposition, Shivakumar stressed the need for all states to respect national laws and comply with the Supreme Court’s directives on the sharing of Cauvery water.

“Why aren’t they respecting the laws of the country? The law applies to everyone. In this country, the law is the same for all,” he remarked.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed that the Supreme Court has recognized Tamil Nadu’s right to approximately 170 TMC of water, and it is Karnataka’s duty to protect that right. He asserted that constructing the dam and providing water is also their entitlement.

Shivakumar noted that Tamil Nadu leaders are aware of the facts surrounding the project and that further discussions can take place later.

The Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project is a proposed multi-purpose initiative by the Karnataka government. It is set to be constructed near the confluence of the Cauvery and Arkavati rivers in the Ramanagara district, about 90-100 kilometers from Bengaluru and close to the Tamil Nadu border.

The project aims to provide 4.75 TMC of drinking water annually to the Bengaluru metropolitan area and surrounding regions. Additionally, it is expected to generate around 400 MW of hydroelectric power.

The reservoir is also envisioned as a balancing reservoir, which will help manage excess water during the monsoon and ensure that Tamil Nadu receives its allocated share of Cauvery water (177.25 TMC), even in years of water scarcity.