Water Wars: The Battle Over the Mekedatu Project Heats Up Again

The Mekedatu Project has once again come under focus after M K Stalin raised concerns over the Centre’s consideration of Karnataka’s proposal despite objections from Tamil Nadu.

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister questioned the decision of the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission to examine Karnataka’s detailed project report (DPR) without adequately addressing the state’s concerns.

He urged the Centre to reject the DPR prepared by Karnataka, contending that the proposal violates the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal as well as judgments delivered by the Supreme Court on the Cauvery river water-sharing issue.

Stalin also requested the Prime Minister to advise the Karnataka government against undertaking any new water-related projects without obtaining the consent of co-basin states. He stressed that such initiatives should not contravene Supreme Court directives governing inter-state river water sharing arrangements.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.