Mekedatu Dam: Karnataka Offers Dialogue to Tamil Nadu, Assures Water Share Safe

Karnataka has expressed willingness to hold bilateral talks with Tamil Nadu on the long-pending Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, provided the neighbouring state initiates discussions. Major Irrigation Minister Ramalinga Reddy made this statement on June 20, 2025, amid renewed political debate over the project.

Reddy emphasised that the proposed reservoir, to be built across the Cauvery river within Karnataka's territory, would not adversely affect Tamil Nadu's share of Cauvery water. 'There is no threat whatsoever to the 177.25 TMC ft that Karnataka has to ensure annually to Tamil Nadu,' he said, referring to the water release mandated by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award as modified by the Supreme Court in 2018.

According to Reddy, the project aims to meet drinking water needs of the Bengaluru region, regulate water release to Tamil Nadu at Biligundlu, and generate 400 MW of hydroelectric power. It would utilise 4.75 thousand million cubic feet (TMC ft) of water for drinking purposes. He argued that the reservoir would help regulate river flow and ensure more efficient release to the downstream state.

The minister's comments come a day after the Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution moved by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay opposing the Mekedatu project. Tamil Nadu has historically raised concerns that the project could reduce its water share, but Reddy maintained that the project would be developed within the legal framework.

Reddy pointed to recent Supreme Court decisions that have removed legal obstacles. In a judgment delivered on November 13, 2025, the apex court rejected Tamil Nadu's challenge to Karnataka's proposal, holding that the Central Water Commission (CWC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) are the competent expert bodies to examine such matters. The court observed that no state could interfere with the use of water allocated to another state unless such action reduced the quantity of water allotted to it. A review petition filed by Tamil Nadu was dismissed on April 15, 2026.

'Karnataka has crossed all legal impediments. We have already submitted the detailed project report to the Central Water Commission, and various directorates of the Commission are examining it,' Reddy said. He urged the Centre and the CWC to expedite the examination, arguing that the project serves both developmental and water-management objectives without affecting Tamil Nadu's allocated share.

Reddy reiterated that Karnataka remains bound by the tribunal award and is ready for dialogue to resolve the issue amicably. 'Our Chief Minister has already announced that Karnataka is willing to talk if Tamil Nadu comes forward,' he said.