Karnataka CM Shivakumar Open to Talks with Tamil Nadu on Mekedatu Water Project

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed willingness to discuss the proposed Mekedatu drinking water project with Tamil Nadu, stating that the neighbouring state has used the issue as a “political agenda” for the past four decades.

Speaking to reporters on June 18, 2026, Shivakumar responded to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s address in the state legislative assembly and a resolution moved by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, which was unanimously adopted on June 19, objecting to the Karnataka government’s proposal to construct a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu.

“I will not interfere in their politics. They are building plenty of dams downstream and we have not raised any objection. I am ready to talk with them anytime,” Shivakumar said. He noted that Tamil Nadu is exploring legal avenues to stall the project. When asked about the Congress party being part of the government in Tamil Nadu, he added, “We will make whatever appeal need to be made to them. There is no politics here.”

Describing the project as the “heart of South India,” the Chief Minister said, “The project is not close to my heart alone, but protects the interest of both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Supreme Court has stated that the decision on the project should be made by the Central Water Commission.” He emphasised that the reservoir is a balancing reservoir and will not use any water for irrigation. “It will be used only to supply drinking water to Bengaluru since the city’s population is growing. We cannot bring water from Krishna,” he explained.

The Mekedatu project has been a longstanding point of contention between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with the latter arguing that it would affect its share of Cauvery water. Karnataka maintains that the project will not reduce Tamil Nadu’s water allocation and will solely address Bengaluru’s drinking water needs.