Tamil Nadu CM urges PM to halt Mekedatu project clearances
Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay requested that no approvals be granted for the dam 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 The Federal.
In a letter dated November 6, Vijay expressed concern over a reported site inspection by Union government officials at the proposed project location. He argued that any unilateral technical evaluations or inspections by central agencies at this stage are inappropriate.
The Chief Minister stated that Karnataka's proposal to build a reservoir with a 67.16 TMC capacity just upstream of the inter-state border could prevent water flows and negatively impact monthly deliveries to Tamil Nadu as mandated by the Supreme Court.
Vijay noted that farmers in the Cauvery Delta are already struggling during the 2026–27 deficit water year. He alleged that Karnataka has not ensured Tamil Nadu's due share of water on a pro-rata basis.
The Chief Minister said that farmers view the recent site visit as a sign of progress on a project that threatens their way of life. He urged the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change to refrain from granting clearances without the agreement of lower riparian states.
Tamil Nadu has previously taken legal steps, including filing an application with the National Green Tribunal on May 27, 2026, and a Writ Petition in the Supreme Court on August 3 this year.