“Let me look at it”: Karnataka CM on Tamil Nadu’s resolution opposing Mekedatu dam

Karnataka Chief Minister on Friday responded cautiously to the Tamil Nadu Assembly’s unanimous resolution opposing the Mekedatu dam project, saying he would “look at it” before making a detailed comment on the issue.

The remarks come after the Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution strongly opposing Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river, urging the Union government not to grant any approvals, including technical and environmental clearances for the project.

The resolution also called on the Central Water Commission (CWC) to refrain from processing Karnataka’s Detailed Project Report (DPR), arguing that the project violates the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Supreme Court rulings governing inter-state water sharing.

The Mekedatu project has long been a flashpoint between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with both states locked in a legal and political dispute over Cauvery river water allocation. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the dam, claiming it would affect downstream water availability and harm farmers’ interests.

Karnataka, on the other hand, has maintained that the project is aimed at ensuring drinking water supply and better river management during dry seasons.

The issue is now expected to be taken up at the central level as both states continue to stake competing claims over the river’s resources.