Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene regarding Karnataka's proposed reservoir on the Cauvery river.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project does not receive any administrative or statutory approvals without the agreement of co-basin states, according to the Times of India.
In a letter dated November 6, Vijay expressed concern over a reported site inspection by Union government officials at the proposed project location. He stated that the 67.16 TMC capacity reservoir, located just upstream of the inter-state border, could disrupt water flows and monthly deliveries to Tamil Nadu as mandated by the Supreme Court.
The Chief Minister noted that farmers in the Cauvery Delta are already facing challenges during the 2026-27 deficit water year. He alleged that Karnataka has not released the required share of water to Tamil Nadu on a pro-rata basis.
Vijay described the recent site visit and technical evaluations by central agencies as highly inappropriate. He urged the Prime Minister to delay any further technical or administrative steps resulting from the inspection and to advise Karnataka against moving forward without the consent of other basin states.
The Mekedatu project is a proposal by the Karnataka government intended to meet the drinking water requirements of Bengaluru and to generate hydroelectric power. However, the project faces opposition from downstream Tamil Nadu due to potential impacts on water availability.
