Krishnagiri, Tamil Nadu – Protesting farmers from Tamil Nadu, demonstrating against the proposed Mekedatu dam project, were on Sunday stopped by authorities at the Krishnagiri border as they attempted to proceed towards Karnataka. The farmers, primarily from the delta districts, were asserting their opposition to the dam, which they believe will severely impact water flow into their state.
The farmers, led by P.R. Pandian, general secretary of the Thamizhaga Cauvery Vivasayigal Sangam, had planned a demonstration at the Mekedatu site on May 31. Their journey, which began from Thanjavur, involved passing through Tiruchi, Namakkal, Salem, Dharmapuri, and finally entering Karnataka via the Zuzuvadi inter-State border. However, their efforts to cross into Karnataka were thwarted by the police at the Krishnagiri border.
This protest action by Tamil Nadu farmers underscores the escalating tensions surrounding the Mekedatu dam project, a multi-purpose balancing reservoir proposed by Karnataka across the Cauvery River. The project, intended to address Bengaluru’s drinking water needs and generate hydropower, has been a long-standing point of contention between the two southern states.
Mekedatu Dam: A Point of Contention
The Mekedatu dam project, estimated to cost approximately Rs 6,000 crore to Rs 9,000 crore, is planned to be located in the Ramanagara district of Karnataka, near the border with Tamil Nadu. The proposed dam aims to store a significant amount of water, with capacities reported between 48 TMC and 67.16 TMC (thousand million cubic feet). Its primary objectives include supplying drinking water to Bengaluru and its surrounding areas, and generating around 400 MW of hydroelectric power.
However, Tamil Nadu, as a lower riparian state, has consistently opposed the project. The state government and various farmer associations argue that the dam’s construction would disrupt the natural flow of the Cauvery River, adversely affecting irrigation and drinking water availability in Tamil Nadu’s delta districts. They cite Supreme Court rulings and Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal awards, asserting that Karnataka cannot undertake such construction without the consent of downstream states.
Legal and Political Dimensions
The Mekedatu dam dispute has a long history, marked by legal challenges and political maneuvering. Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court multiple times, filing review petitions against earlier rulings that suggested the matter was under technical review. The Supreme Court, while not granting a final approval, has indicated that the Central Water Commission and the Cauvery Water Management Authority would handle the technical assessments.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has recently written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to reject Karnataka’s proposal. He has emphasized that the project violates Supreme Court judgments and could jeopardize the interests of Tamil Nadu’s farmers. The Chief Minister also chaired a high-level meeting, directing officials to pursue all possible legal measures against the project.
Conversely, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed confidence in the project, stating that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) would be submitted to the Centre soon and that the Supreme Court has ruled that Tamil Nadu has no right to object to the project. This assertion has been met with strong criticism from Tamil Nadu political parties.
Historical Context and Ongoing Dispute
The Cauvery water-sharing dispute itself is decades old, with historical roots tracing back to agreements made during the British era. Post-independence, reorganisation of state boundaries and increasing water demands have continually fueled the conflict. The Mekedatu dam project has now become the latest flashpoint in this ongoing water war between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
While Karnataka contends that the dam will help regulate water supply and meet its own needs, Tamil Nadu fears it will lead to a drastic reduction in water flow, impacting agriculture and the livelihood of millions. The recent actions of the protesting farmers in Krishnagiri highlight the deep-seated anxieties and the determination of Tamil Nadu to protect its water rights, setting the stage for further political and legal battles over the vital Cauvery River.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
