'Teasing Neighbouring State': TN Minister Hits Back At K'taka Dy CM's Remarks On Mekedatu Project

Duraimurugan said he will soon be meeting DK Shivakumar and he will be discussing the issue in detail then.

Duraimurugan reiterated that Tamil Nadu will oppose at all levels Karnataka's plans to construct the reservoir at Mekedatu

Tamil Nadu government strongly criticised Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for his remark on Kannada state's plan to go ahead with the construction of a reservoir at Mekedatu across river Cauvery. Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan also reiterated his stand opposing Karnataka's plan to construct Mekedatu dam. 

The Mekedatu project involves building a reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district of Karnataka. The estimated cost of the project is Rs 9,000 crore and it is aimed at providing drinking water to Bengaluru and neighbouring areas. It will also generate 400 MW power once constructed.

According to PTI, Duraimurugan took to reminding Shivakumar that there was any reference to Mekedatu dam made in either the Cauvery Disputes Tribunal's order or the Supreme Court's final ruling. 

Duraimurugan said, "I am surprised that Shivakumar is resorting to teasing a neighbouring state within days of being sworn-in (as deputy CM). I believe the officials have not explained the full details of Mekedatu."

The project or any other unapproved construction will affect Tamil Nadu's interests, he said.  

The Minister said, "It is not welcome to say that the reservoir will be constructed in the uncontrolled intermediate catchment area where TN has its rights." 

"Tamil Nadu will oppose at all levels Karnataka's plans to construct the reservoir at Mekedatu," he said. 

Duraimurugan said he will soon be meeting DK Shivakumar and he will be discussing the issue in detail then.

Senior Minister in Tamil Nadu Cabinet, Duraimurugan, was responding to reports in a section of media that claimed Shivakumar expressed his government's resolve to construct the balancing reservoir across the inter-state Cauvery at Mekedatu. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have been locked in a dispute over the sharing of river water for a long while.