Tamil Nadu Vows to Block Karnataka Mekedatu Dam

Tamil Nadu Water Resources Minister N Anand declared in the State Assembly that the government will not permit Karnataka to lay a single stone for the proposed Mekedatu dam. The statement addresses a long-running dispute over the Cauvery river, where Tamil Nadu argues that Karnataka's proposed balancing reservoir would restrict downstream water flow.

Chief Minister Vijay rejected calls for an all-party meeting on the issue, urging the opposition not to play politics. He asserted that his administration will not compromise on water rights. This stance follows accusations from DMK MLA Durai Chandrasekaran, who claimed the ruling TVK government has taken a soft approach to the conflict.

The dispute has already led to legislative action, with the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly passing a resolution on June 19 opposing the project and calling for the constitution of a tribunal to resolve the matter.