Karnataka Minister Seeks Appointment With Tamil Nadu Chief Minister To Discuss Mekedatu

Karnataka Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar has sought an appointment with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami to discuss the proposed Mekedatu project and reach an amicable solution.

"The government desires to have an amicable solution. It appears that some misconceptions about the proposed project have occurred in government's and Tamil Nadu people's mind through the actual reality of the project is different," he said in a letter to Palaniswami.

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"In view of this, I hereby seek your appointment to present the project details and also have discussion as indicated above at your convenient time," he added. Shivakumar said the project would help in regulating the judicious release of water so that excess water is not allowed to flow from the Mettur dam into the sea needlessly as has had happened this year.

Shivakumar, who also spoke to reporters, said the project was being considered for the state's power needs, not for irrigation. He also urged Tamil Nadu not to politicise the issue. The Central Water Commission recently allowed Karnataka to prepare a Detailed Project Report for the construction of a balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project at Mekedatu across the Cauvery, which has been opposed by both the ruling AIADMK and DMK.

READ: High Controversy After Karnataka CM HD Kumaraswamy Calls Agitating Sugarcane Farmers 'goondas'

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, December 5 has agreed to hear next week a plea of Tamil Nadu government against the nod granted to Karnataka for preparing the DPR. Political parties in Tamil Nadu contend that if the dam was permitted, it would affect Tamil Nadu farmers who depend on Cauvery waters for irrigation.