Tamil Nadu farmers urge decisive action against Mekedatu dam plan
Tamil Nadu farmers urge decisive action against Mekedatu dam plan
Farmers warn Karnataka's Mekedatu project could desertify 28 lakh acres in TN and disrupt water for 22 districts, urging a strong national response.
In Coimbatore on Friday, P.R. Pandian, president of the Coordination Committee of All Farmers Associations of Tamil Nadu, urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take decisive steps against Karnataka’s Mekedatu reservoir project. He warned that yielding to the upper-riparian state’s plan would trigger large-scale desertification of about 28 lakh acres in Tamil Nadu and block water supply to 22 districts, threatening the state’s food grains production.
Pandian criticized the Tamil Nadu government for approaching the Supreme Court instead of directly challenging the proposal with the Jal Shakti Ministry, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, and the Cauvery Water Management Authority. He pointed to the apex court’s earlier stance that the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal’s water-sharing formula was settled and not open to appeal, a position he said was reflected in the Central Government Gazette. He argued that Karnataka has no right to construct a new dam under the settled tribunal formula, and that the chief minister must respond at the national level to gain visibility.
The leader also emphasized the need for the Tamil Nadu government to file an appeal against the Supreme Court’s remark that Tamil Nadu’s challenge to the Central Water Commission’s directive to prepare a Detailed Project Report for Mekedatu was premature. Pandian warned that if the state government does not respond appropriately, farmers’ associations would convene an all-party meeting to decide the next course of action, signaling potential further steps on the issue.
Pandian’s remarks come amid growing tension over the Mekedatu project, which has long been a focal point in the Cauvery water sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. He urged a firm and united response from Tamil Nadu to safeguard the lower riparian state’s water rights and to prevent the possible desertification of vast tracts of agricultural land.
The discussions reflect broader concerns about how inter-state water projects are cleared and managed, and the impact such decisions could have on farmers, food security, and regional politics.
Cover image source: Vasan urges T.N. govt. to take steps to stop Karnataka from proceeding with Mekedatu project 🔗
