Chennai: Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to direct officials in the Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS) and the Central Water Commission (CWC) to reject Karnataka's detailed project report (DPR) for the Mekedatu project. He also appealed to the Prime Minister to advise Karnataka against initiating new projects without the concurrence of co-basin states.
Violation of Supreme Court Judgment
The Chief Minister noted that the Karnataka government conducted a 'bhoomi puja' for the Mekedatu reservoir across the Cauvery River, which he termed a violation of the Supreme Court's judgment and the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal from February 2018. He emphasized that such actions undermine the legal framework governing the inter-state water dispute.
Concerns for Tamil Nadu Farmers
Referring to remarks by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar that Tamil Nadu cannot stop the project, Vijay expressed deep concern among lakhs of Tamil Nadu farmers who depend on the Cauvery for their livelihood. He stressed that the project threatens the water security of farmers in the lower riparian state.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the Supreme Court verdict on the inter-state water dispute did not affirm the Mekedatu project. He stated, "Tamil Nadu is of the firm view that by proposing a new Mekedatu project with a storage capacity of 67.16 tmcft just upstream of the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border, the Karnataka government is attempting to block water flows generated in the uncontrolled catchment area."
Violation of Riparian Principles
Vijay added that as an upper riparian state, Karnataka must not take any action that affects scheduled water deliveries to the lower riparian state. Consequently, building a new reservoir clearly violates the Supreme Court verdict. He expressed surprise that the MoJS and CWC, which are mandated to implement the Supreme Court judgment of February 16, 2018, are entertaining Karnataka's proposal without considering Tamil Nadu's objections.
"Under these circumstances, I request you to instruct officers concerned in the ministry and CWC to reject the Mekedatu DPR," the letter stated.
