Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said that building the proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery does not require permission from the Tamil Nadu government, and that approval must come from the Union government.
Karnataka has reiterated its determination to go ahead with the dam at Mekedatu, with reports suggesting preparations are being made for a ground-breaking ceremony.
Tamil Nadu has strongly objected to the project and has filed a petition before the National Green Tribunal, urging the Centre not to grant clearance for the dam.
Speaking on the issue, Shivakumar said Tamil Nadu has opposed the Mekedatu project for the past 30 to 40 years and claimed the matter has already been decided by the courts. He added that the Cauvery Management Authority and the Union government have received Karnataka’s detailed project report and would examine it.
He said the issue is now with the Centre and maintained that Tamil Nadu’s consent is not required, adding that whichever party is in power in Tamil Nadu would continue its politics on the matter.
