Cong in Karnataka to begin survey of controversial Mekedatu project amid objection by Tamil Nadu

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Amid the severe opposition from Tamil Nadu against the construction of the Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery River, the Karnataka government has decided to go ahead and start the survey for it.

Tamil Nadu government says the project is against the Supreme Court’s order and would violate if the Congress government in Karnataka starts it.

The move comes amid the backdrop of DK Shivakumar’s recent meeting with MK Stalin, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in Bengaluru, in which the duo was believed to have held a talk on the issue.

It also assumes significance as DKS, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka and the Minister for Water Resources and Bengaluru, on May 30, held a meeting with high-level officials from his department on implementing the Mekedatu project on priority.

However, the Ta mi l Nadu government says the Karnataka government has no right to construct the dam across the river. While the Karnataka government sought the clearance certificate from the Union government, Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, seeks the intervention of the center to ensure that Karnataka releases Tamil Nadu’s share of water.

Tamil Nadu accuses Karnataka of not releasing water prescribed by the Supreme Court in 2018. Karnataka, on the other hand, had earlier contended in the court that the project was essential for supplying drinking water to half of Bengaluru, which relies on groundwater and other sources.

But, the challenges lie ahead in giving it a go as the Cauvery Water Management Authority and Union Environment Ministry needs to approve.