MK Stalin urges Karnataka CM Yediyurappa to drop the Mekedatu project

On Sunday, President of  Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), MK Stalin, urged Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa to scrap  proposed construction of Mekedatu check-dam on Cauvery river. He was responding to Karnataka government’s letter to Centre, where it dismissed Tamil Nu’s concerns over dam as “irrelevant”. In a statement, Stalin opined, this could affect relationship between Karnataka and Tamil Nu. He implored Yediyurappa to think about fate of Tamil Nu farmers.  

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He remarked, “Karnataka should drop Mekedatu project. If Karnakata erects a check dam in Mekedatu, it could affect cordial relationships between both states. Karnataka CM Yediyurappa is a senior leer. He should consider TN farmers position and should drop this project.” 

‘Inappropriate to implement project’ 

Stalin cited Supreme Court (SC) order of February 2, 2018, to buttress case that Karnataka was t supposed to undertake projects affecting Cauvery recipient states like Tamil Nu.  

“It is unacceptable to say that Tamil Nu’s interests in Cauvery issue need t be considered. While TN Government’s petition against project is pending before apex court, it is inappropriate to implement project,” DMK president stated. 

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Writing on microblogging website Twitter, Stalin reiterated, “ Union government should reject Karnataka government's detailed statement on construction of a new dam at Mekedatu against Cauvery final verdict. I urge Chief Minister of Karnataka to abandon project in view of goodwill of people of two states.” 

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Karnataka’s response 

Both states have tritionally clashed over Cauvery water issue. Tamil Nu government officially opposed Mekedatu dam, citing possibility of environmental hazards. reafter, Prakash Javekar-led Environment ministry sought Karnataka’s response to Tamil Nu’s claims. However,  Yediyurappa regime observed that project would enhance ability of state to share Cauvery water with Tamil Nu as per SC directives. 

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