New Delhi, June 16: Farmers in Tamil Nadu have intensified their opposition to the proposed Mekedatu Dam project in Karnataka. They have announced a significant protest in New Delhi on June 23, urging the central government to reject the proposal.
Following a meeting of the Tamil Nadu Cauvery Farmers’ Organization’s state committee in Thiruvarur, the group stated that farmers from across the state will participate in a march and surround the headquarters of the Central Water Resources Department in the national capital.
The organization expressed concerns that the proposed reservoir on the Cauvery River could adversely affect water availability in Tamil Nadu, posing a serious threat to agriculture in the Cauvery Delta region. They accused Karnataka of proceeding with the project despite Tamil Nadu’s strong objections.
PR Pandian, the organization’s general secretary, emphasized that farmers will urge the central government not to grant any approvals for the project. He argued that constructing the dam at Mekedatu without Tamil Nadu’s consent would harm the interests of farmers in the lower reaches of the river and impact the state’s share of Cauvery water.
Pandian also appealed to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to take all necessary legal and administrative measures to halt the project. He stated that the state government must take strong steps to protect Tamil Nadu’s water rights and safeguard the livelihoods of millions of farmers dependent on the Cauvery.
He noted that the June 23 movement will see farmers representing various organizations from different districts of Tamil Nadu coming together. This protest aims to send a clear message to the central government that the state is firmly opposed to the Mekedatu project.
Additionally, the farmers’ organization expressed hope that the government would make announcements regarding changes to crop loan waivers in the upcoming assembly session. They anticipate that the ruling government will fulfill its electoral promise of complete waiver of agricultural loans.
Besides the Mekedatu issue, the meeting also passed a resolution to oppose the proposed hydrocarbon exploration project by Indian Oil Corporation near the Parangipettai coast. The organization raised concerns about the potential environmental impact of this project and its implications for coastal communities, fishermen, and agriculture-based livelihoods.
The Mekedatu project has been a contentious issue between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for several years. Farmer organizations in the delta districts have consistently argued that any new structure to store water in the upstream of the river could disrupt the flow of water essential for irrigation in the state.
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