From Indiatimes · Yashasvi Vasistha · · 2m
Mekedatu Dam Row: Stalin Calls for Unity
Stalin demands all Tamil Nadu parties meet to oppose Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project.
In brief
Stalin demands all Tamil Nadu parties meet to oppose Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project. Tamil Nadu's chief minister seeks unity to protect Cauvery water rights against Karnataka's dam project. Originally reported by Indiatimes.
Stalin urges meeting
DMK chief MK Stalin called for an all-party meeting to discuss Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project.
“Given the situation where the Karnataka Chief Minister has once again begun speaking aggressively about building the Mekedatu dam, the Government of Tamil Nadu must no longer remain silent”
Stalin's water rights stance
Stalin described Cauvery as a 'life and death' issue for Tamil Nadu's farmers and delta regions.
“Beyond mere water sharing, Cauvery is historically and emotionally intertwined with the lives of Tamils. The entire livelihood of delta farmers depends upon it”
Karnataka's position
Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar claimed the dam project would release 177 thousand million cubic feet of water to Tamil Nadu.
“Mekedatu issue - Supreme Court has given order. Now what we need is just one thing - all parties have agreed, let's go together”
Stalin's call for unity
Stalin demanded Tamil Nadu parties show unity to oppose Karnataka's dam project through legal means.
“It is essential that we stand united, transcending personal likes and dislikes as well as party differences”
Vijay's response
Vijay government previously warned against Tamil Nadu's visit to Karnataka for dam discussions.
“Do not run into this disaster”
Stalin's proposal
Stalin suggested Tamil Nadu leaders meet Prime Minister Modi to present unified opposition to the dam.
“We should submit the resolutions adopted at the proposed all-party meeting, along with a unanimous resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly against the Mekedatu project in June”
Karnataka's legal stance
Shivakumar stated Karnataka has secured forest and environmental clearances for the dam project.
“I have asked for one forest clearance and one environment clearance”
Mekedatu project details
The Mekedatu project aims to build a balancing reservoir on the Cauvery river for Bengaluru's water needs.
“The Mekedatu project envisages a balancing reservoir on the Cauvery river in Karnataka, primarily to meet Bengaluru's drinking water needs and generate hydroelectric power”
Tamil Nadu's opposition
Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the dam due to concerns over agricultural water availability.
“Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed it, citing concerns over the availability of Cauvery water for downstream areas, particularly its agricultural delta districts”
Stalin's warning
Stalin warned against Tamil Nadu's visit to Karnataka for dam discussions, citing risks of conflict.
“Do not run into this disaster”
Karnataka's invitation
Shivakumar invited Tamil Nadu representatives to visit Karnataka to understand the dam project benefits.
“It is my state, my right. And they [Tamil Nadu] should also know; Tamil Nadu also should know. Let them come with the delegation; I will show them, I will explain to them how it helps them”
Legal status
The Supreme Court has already passed an order on the Mekedatu dam project dispute.
“Mekedatu issue - Supreme Court has given order”
Next steps
Tamil Nadu's parties must convene an all-party meeting to present unified opposition to the dam.
“Therefore, I request through this letter that an all-party meeting be convened to express our unity and opposition to the Karnataka chief minister's statements”
Stalin's stance
Stalin emphasized Tamil Nadu's position to secure water rights through legal means, not negotiations.
“Tamil Nadu's position had consistently been to secure its water rights through legal means rather than negotiations with Karnataka”
Karnataka's project
Karnataka's Mekedatu project requires balancing reservoir on Cauvery river for water and power generation.
“The Mekedatu project envisages a balancing reservoir on the Cauvery river in Karnataka, primarily to meet Bengaluru's drinking water needs and generate hydroelectric power”
The bottom line
Tamil Nadu's chief minister seeks unity to protect Cauvery water rights against Karnataka's dam project.
