Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has said that protecting the interests of the state’s farmers in the Cauvery water dispute is his responsibility. He made the remarks while speaking to reporters at Bhagamandala in Kodagu.
Shivakumar noted that reservoirs in Karnataka are not yet fully filled, and said the government faces the dual challenge of safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods while also adhering to the law. He stressed that both aspects are equally important.
On the Mekedatu dam issue, he said the Supreme Court has stated there is no objection to building a dam within Karnataka. He also referred to the Union government’s response to Tamil Nadu MPs during the current Parliament session, stating that constructing the dam at Mekedatu would not affect supplying 177.25 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu.
He said the Cauvery Water Management Authority has provided clear guidance, and warned that failure to follow legal directions could lead to a situation where control of the dam may have to be handed over to the Union government.
Shivakumar added that water-related problems tend to recur once every three years as part of a natural cycle, and said he would instruct the district collector and Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department officials to ask people to pray for rainfall.
