'If Karnataka Constructs Dam At Mekedatu, It Will Affect People': AIADMK Leader Thambidurai On Mekedatu Row

AIADMK leader Thambidurai on Tuesday said that the party has supported the resolution which was unanimously passed in the state assembly

New Delhi: Condemning the Karnataka government's decision to construct a dam at Mekedatu across river Cauvery and allocating Rs 1,000 crore for the construction of the dam in the state budget, AIADMK leader Thambidurai on Tuesday said that the party has supported the resolution which was unanimously passed on Monday in the state assembly.

Thambidurai further explained that the state is facing a water crisis in the Cauvery basin and if the Bommai government in Karnataka constructs Mekedatu, it'll affect the people.

"We're facing drinking water & irrigation problems. As far as Karnataka is concerned SC has given direction to not construct any dam without approval of concerned states-Kerala, Puducherry & TN. Karnataka Govt announced Rs 1000 cr for construction which isn't correct," Thambidurai said as quoted by news agency ANI.

Meanwhile, State Secretary of the Communist Party of India (CPI) R Mutharasan urged the Centre to act impartially on the Mekedatu issue, The Hindu said in a report. He also said that the BJP government in Karnataka has been acting against the apex court's order.  

On Monday, Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister V Duraimurugan announced the passing of a resolution unanimously against the decision of the Karnataka government to build a dam at Mekedatu.

Karnataka CM Basavaraj Bommai in a series of tweets called the resolution illegal. Bommai said that it is an anti-people resolution wherein a state is trying to infringe upon the rights of another.

The Mekedatu multi-purpose project involves building a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district in Karnataka. The estimated Rs 9,000 crore project once completed is aimed at ensuring drinking water to Bengaluru and neighbouring areas and it can also generate 400 MW power.

Tamil Nadu has been opposing the project saying it would "impound and divert" the uncontrolled water flow to the state from Kabini sub-basin while Karnataka has maintained that the project within its territory will benefit both states as the surplus water stored can be managed between the two during the distress year, and its implementation will in no way affect the interests of Tamil Nadu’s farming communities, as there will be no impact on its share of water.

(With inputs from PTI)