Tamil Nadu CM urges PM to halt Mekedatu project clearances
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay requested that no approvals be granted for the reservoir without the consent of co-basin states.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure that no statutory or administrative clearances are issued for Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project without the consent of co-basin states, according to ANI and Deccan Herald.
In a letter dated November 6, Vijay expressed concern regarding a recent site inspection by Union government officials at the proposed location. He stated that the 67.16 TMC capacity reservoir, planned just upstream of the inter-state border, could obstruct water flows and impact monthly deliveries to Tamil Nadu as mandated by the Supreme Court.
The Chief Minister noted that the recent developments and reported meetings between the Karnataka Chief Minister and officials from the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change have caused constant worry among Tamil Nadu's farmers. He said the site visit by Union officials was seen by farmers as a sign of progress on a project that could threaten their livelihoods.
Vijay alleged that Karnataka has not provided Tamil Nadu's fair share of water on a pro-rata basis, noting that farmers in the Cauvery Delta are already struggling during the 2026-27 deficit water year.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passed a unanimous resolution on June 19 regarding the matter. He further highlighted an application filed before the National Green Tribunal on May 27 to prevent the Environment Ministry from granting permissions until inter-state issues are resolved.