PMK chief asks Tamil Nadu CM to intensify opposition to Mekedatu project
PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss has urged Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to ramp up opposition to Karnataka's Mekedatu dam, citing recent moves by Karnataka to secure central approval.
PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to strengthen the state's opposition to Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project. The appeal comes in the wake of a meeting between Karnataka's Irrigation Minister, Chaluvaraya Swamy, and Central Water Commission (CWC) Chairman Anupam Prasad, where the former sought expedited clearance for the project.
Ramadoss expressed concern that Karnataka is actively advancing the project while the Tamil Nadu government appears indifferent. He noted that the Karnataka minister has requested an immediate inspection of the proposed dam site by the CWC and has assured the commission of providing any additional technical information required.
The PMK leader pointed out that Karnataka had initially submitted a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project in 2019. The CWC reportedly returned this report on June 29 this year, citing provisions that contradict the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's final award and the Supreme Court's judgment. Karnataka subsequently submitted a revised DPR before August 19.
According to Ramadoss, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar announced on August 29 that the state would approach the CWC to expedite approval. This was followed by the Irrigation Minister's meeting with the CWC chairman.
Ramadoss has urged Chief Minister Vijay to meet with the CWC chairman, the Union Water Resources Minister, and the Prime Minister to seek rejection of the project. He has also called for the withdrawal of the 2018 permission granted to Karnataka to submit the DPR.