Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking immediate intervention in the Mekedatu dam issue. He urged the Centre not to grant any form of permission to Karnataka for the proposed project.
In his letter, the Chief Minister said he was disappointed by a reply given in Parliament by the Union Water Resources Minister, which stated that the Supreme Court verdict did not require Karnataka to obtain consent from Tamil Nadu and other states to build the dam. He demanded that the minister’s response be withdrawn.
Vijay argued that any project that could affect the quantum of water reaching downstream states cannot be implemented without their consent. He said the rights of states dependent on Cauvery irrigation must be protected.
He further maintained that, as per the Cauvery tribunal’s final award and the 2018 Supreme Court verdict, Karnataka cannot proceed with the dam. Calling for protection of federal principles and adherence to court rulings, he asked the Prime Minister to step in without delay.
