Karnataka BJP says Mekedatu must avoid politics, Tamil Nadu says no dam without nod
The long-running dispute over the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project resurfaced once again, as political leaders in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu issued sharp statements ahead of key legal and administrative developments. The Mekedatu project, proposed across the Cauvery River in Ramanagara district, remains a politically sensitive subject intertwined with water-sharing concerns, Supreme Court rulings, and interstate coordination.
Karnataka BJP pushes for Centre’s cooperation
Senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai urged the Karnataka government to approach the Mekedatu issue with maturity and avoid political grandstanding. According to him, the project can move forward only with constructive cooperation from the central government and well-presented legal groundwork.
Bommai warned that turning the project into a political prestige battle could “weaken Karnataka’s case” at the national and judicial level. Some Karnataka ministers have also claimed that the Supreme Court’s stance leans in favour of allowing Karnataka to pursue the Mekedatu proposal, provided environmental and water-sharing conditions are met.
Tamil Nadu reiterates firm opposition
Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK government responded sharply, insisting that no dam or reservoir across the Cauvery can move forward without its consent. The state argued that any diversion or storage will impact Tamil Nadu’s legally guaranteed water share under the Supreme Court’s final order and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)’s regulations.
Tamil Nadu continues to maintain that approving Mekedatu without its concurrence would be a violation of judicial mandates and interstate agreements.
Why Mekedatu remains sensitive
The Mekedatu reservoir is intended to supply drinking water to Bengaluru and surrounding regions, while also providing regulated flow downstream. However, Tamil Nadu argues that:
The dam could give Karnataka excessive control over Cauvery waters.
It may affect water availability during dry months.
The project violates water-sharing adjudications without prior approval.
Meanwhile, Karnataka claims that the reservoir will not reduce Tamil Nadu’s allocation, insisting it will help regulate water release more effectively.
FAQ Section
1. What is the Mekedatu project?
It is a proposed balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River in Karnataka aimed at improving drinking water supply for Bengaluru and regulating river flow.
2. Why is Tamil Nadu opposing the project?
Tamil Nadu argues that the dam will affect its allocated Cauvery water share and cannot be built without its consent as per legal and regulatory frameworks.
3. What is Karnataka’s position?
Karnataka maintains that the project will not reduce Tamil Nadu’s share and is essential for Bengaluru’s growing water needs.
4. What does the Supreme Court say?
The Court has not given final clearance but has directed that any interstate water project must follow the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s rules and existing water-sharing orders.
5. Does the project need approval from the central government?
Yes. Any interstate water project requires multiple clearances including environmental approval, CWMA review, and central permissions.
6. How does this issue affect regional development?
The outcome of the Mekedatu project may influence long-term water security, urban planning, agriculture, and regional investment—topics often tracked by institutions like Vizzve Finance.
source credit : Deepthi Rao
Published on : 18th November
Published by : SARANYA
www.vizzve.com || www.vizzveservices.com
Follow us on social media: Facebook || Linkedin || Instagram
🛡 Powered by Vizzve Financial
RBI-Registered Loan Partner | 10 Lakh+ Customers | ₹600 Cr+ Disbursed