- DMK MPs resolve to press the Centre for a dedicated Mekedatu tribunal and immediate release of Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery share during the Monsoon Session
- Party accuses Karnataka of violating Supreme Court-backed Cauvery water-sharing arrangements and delaying water release since January 2024
- Demand comes amid mounting concern over the delayed opening of the Mettur Dam and its impact on lakhs of delta farmers
- Karnataka, however, has consistently maintained that the Mekedatu project is vital for drinking water and power needs, insisting it will pursue the project through legal channels
- The renewed political confrontation signals another high-stakes chapter in one of India’s longest-running inter-state river disputes
R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, JULY 17
The politically sensitive Mekedatu-Cauvery dispute is once again poised to dominate the national agenda. With Parliament’s Monsoon Session around the corner and Tamil Nadu’s farmers anxiously awaiting Cauvery waters, the DMK has sharpened its offensive by demanding a dedicated tribunal for the Mekedatu project and immediate Central intervention. The move is expected to intensify the long-standing water-sharing confrontation between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with both States standing firmly by their respective positions.
In a significant political resolution adopted at a virtual meeting of DMK Members of Parliament, chaired by party president M K Stalin on Thursday, the ruling party demanded that the Union Government immediately constitute a dedicated tribunal to adjudicate the Mekedatu dam dispute and ensure that Karnataka releases Tamil Nadu’s legitimate share of Cauvery water without further delay.
The resolution voiced deep concern over the hardship faced by Tamil Nadu’s farming community following the failure to open the Mettur Dam on its customary date of June 12, a delay that has raised fears over irrigation prospects in the Cauvery delta.
The DMK accused the Karnataka government of refusing to release Cauvery water since January 2024, alleging that the move violates the Supreme Court’s final verdict and disregards directions of the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).
Reiterating its long-standing opposition to the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir, the party recalled that the previous DMK government had successfully stalled discussions on Karnataka’s Detailed Project Report (DPR) before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and had also ensured that environmental clearance proposals relating to the project were removed from the Union Ministry’s agenda.
Drawing parallels with former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi’s efforts that eventually led to the constitution of the original Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, the resolution argued that a new tribunal dedicated to the Mekedatu issue had now become imperative to permanently resolve the dispute.
The party also welcomed the recent resolution passed in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly seeking a tribunal on the Mekedatu issue. Acting on party directions, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin had moved an amendment supporting the demand. DMK MPs have now been instructed to vigorously pursue the issue during the upcoming Parliament session.
In another resolution, the DMK declared that its parliamentary delegation would continue to function as “the steadfast voice of the people of Tamil Nadu” and oppose any Central legislation perceived as undermining state autonomy, federalism or constitutional principles.
Following the meeting, Stalin reiterated the party’s stand on social media.
“DMK MPs will raise their voices strongly against the Mekedatu dam construction attempts and protect Tamil Nadu’s legitimate rights over the Cauvery river,” he said.
The former Chief Minister further asserted that the party’s position on proposed Central legislations would remain firmly anchored in protecting State rights and the Constitution, adding that “every DMK MP will act as the conscience of the people of Tamil Nadu.”
Karnataka Maintains Its Stand
There was no immediate official reaction on Friday to the DMK’s latest resolution. However, Karnataka has consistently maintained that the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project is intended primarily to meet Bengaluru’s drinking water requirements while also generating hydropower, and has argued that it will not adversely affect Tamil Nadu’s allocated share of Cauvery waters.
Senior Karnataka leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Minister Priyank Kharge, have in recent weeks reiterated that the State would continue pursuing the project through legal and constitutional mechanisms. Karnataka has also expressed willingness to hold discussions with Tamil Nadu while maintaining that it is acting within the framework of Supreme Court directions.
With both States refusing to dilute their respective positions, the Mekedatu issue is expected to emerge as one of the most contentious federal and water-governance debates during the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, where political, legal and environmental dimensions are likely to converge once again.
