Tamil Nadu parties seek all-party meet on Cauvery water, Mekedatu project

Leaders of several political parties in Tamil Nadu on Friday urged the State government to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the proposed Mekedatu dam project in Karnataka and the sharing of Cauvery river water. They argued that a united political and legal response was essential to protect Tamil Nadu's rightful share of Cauvery water.

Speaking at a demonstration organised by Puthiya Tamilagam in Chennai, the leaders accused successive governments in Karnataka of failing to release Tamil Nadu's due share of Cauvery water in accordance with the orders of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court. They contended that the State had often received only surplus water released during periods of heavy rainfall rather than its allocated share.

Naam Tamilar Katchi chief co-ordinator Seeman alleged that Karnataka had repeatedly failed to comply with Cauvery water-sharing orders. He said the State should insist on receiving its legally allocated 177.25 tmcft of water. He further alleged that successive governments at the Centre had not safeguarded Tamil Nadu's interests and urged the State government to pursue all available political and legal measures to secure the State's rightful share of Cauvery water.

Puthiya Tamilagam founder K. Krishnasamy said the proposed Mekedatu dam, if constructed, would further reduce water flows to Tamil Nadu. He claimed that Karnataka had failed to release the quantity of water due to Tamil Nadu, affecting the kuruvai cultivation season in the Cauvery delta districts. Mr. Krishnasamy also criticised the State government for not initiating stronger legal action to secure the release of water.

Tamilaga Vaazhvurimai Katchi president T. Velmurugan called on political parties in Tamil Nadu to unite on the Mekedatu issue, including during the upcoming byelection. Representatives of the Pattali Makkal Katchi, Indiya Jananayaga Katchi, and other parties also participated in the demonstration.

The dispute over the Cauvery water sharing dates back to the colonial era and has been a continuing source of friction between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 1990, and its final award was notified in 2013. The Supreme Court has subsequently upheld the allocation of 177.25 tmcft to Tamil Nadu, while also addressing the needs of Karnataka, Kerala, and Puducherry.

The Mekedatu project, proposed by Karnataka, involves constructing a balancing reservoir near the Mekedatu gorge on the Cauvery river, downstream of the Kabini and Suvarnavathi confluences. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, contending that it would intercept the natural flow of surplus water to the state, thereby affecting the Delta region's irrigation and drinking water needs. Karnataka maintains that the project is aimed at ensuring drinking water supply for Bengaluru and other areas.

Tamil Nadu has repeatedly sought the intervention of the central government and legal recourse, including before the Supreme Court, to ensure compliance with the water-sharing orders. The demand for an all-party meeting reflects the political consensus in the state that a coordinated strategy is necessary to protect its interests in the long-standing dispute.