DMK president M K Stalin and TNCC president Manickam Tagore have called for unity to oppose the dam.
The Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project, a proposal by Karnataka to build a dam across the Cauvery river, has become a central political issue in Tamil Nadu. According to reports from Deccan Chronicle and India Today, the project aims to meet Bengaluru's drinking water needs, manage river flow, and generate 400 MW of electricity using a reservoir with a 67.16 TMC capacity.
DMK president M K Stalin has requested Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the issue. Stalin stated that the Cauvery river is deeply connected to the lives of Tamils and delta farmers. He proposed that a joint delegation of MPs and legislative leaders present resolutions to the Prime Minister.
Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Anand said on November 12 that the proposed dam will never be built. Speaking in Tiruchirappalli, Anand also noted that steps would be taken to ensure Karnataka releases Tamil Nadu's due share of Cauvery water.
TNCC president Manickam Tagore condemned Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar for pushing the project, alleging his remarks undermine Tamil Nadu's interests. Tagore claimed the construction would turn the Cauvery delta into a desert and argued that Shivakumar's claims regarding Supreme Court rulings violate existing tribunal and court verdicts.
The dispute involves Tamil Nadu's legal entitlement of 177.25 TMC of water. According to Tagore, this includes 60 TMC from the Kabini dam, 52 TMC from the Krishnaraja Sagar dam, and 80 TMC from unregulated catchment areas at the Biligundulu water gauge station.
