Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Clash Over Mekedatu Dam Project
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar asserts the right to build the Mekedatu reservoir despite Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay's request for a federal block.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to block all statutory and administrative clearances for Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project. In a letter dated November 6, 2026, Vijay argued that the 67.16 TMC reservoir on the Cauvery River would obstruct water flows and violate Supreme Court stipulations regarding monthly deliveries to Tamil Nadu, causing perpetual anxiety among local farmers.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar responded by asserting that Karnataka requires no permission from other states to construct the reservoir on its own site. Shivakumar maintained that the project operates within the legal framework of the Supreme Court of India, provided Karnataka continues to release 177 TMC of water annually to Tamil Nadu. He characterized the project as a balancing reservoir that would ultimately benefit both states during water shortages.
While Shivakumar appealed for cooperation and invited Tamil Nadu to send a verification team to ensure water is not misused, he remained firm on Karnataka's eligibility to proceed. To meet environmental mandates, Karnataka has already identified 5,400 hectares of forest land for compensatory afforestation. Tamil Nadu continues to challenge the project through the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court.
