Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar appealed Tamil Nadu government to be big-hearted with the implementation of Mekedatu Dam. He also told Tamil Nadu to cooperate to help farmers of both states instead of approaching courts.
After the statement of Tamil Nadu Minister Duraimurugan against Mekedatu project, Shivakumar said, "There is no harm from the Mekedatu project. Let the Tamil Nadu state be large-hearted. We are also large-hearted. Let's stop approaching courts after fighting each other. Cooperate with the scheme which is for drinking water purpose and beneficial to farmers of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu."
Further, Shivakumar said that the people of Tamil Nadu are their brothers and sisters so they should not hate anyone. He, as per IANS explained, "There is no intention to hate or fight with Tamil Nadu state. They are also our brothers and sisters. We don't hate anyone. Mekedatu is our project. Tamil Nadu will also benefit from this project. The water joining the ocean would be stopped and given to the use of people on the banks of the river Cauvery."
He also said that there was no need for Tamil Nadu to be concerned due to the project. "The central government has the keys to the dams of Cauvery River. They will decide and release the water. What is the harm if we establish a power-generating unit? The verdict clearly states that after storing the water, it could be utilised for drinking. There is no concern for Tamil Nadu," Shivakumar said.
On Wednesday, after Shivakumar said that Mekedatu would be constructed, Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan said that Tamil Nadu would oppose the projects at all levels. He also said that he would soon be meeting Shivakumar and until then he requested Karnataka Deputy CM to remain mum on the matter.
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