Tamil Nadu Opposes Karnataka's Mekedatu Dam Project and Criticizes Kerala's Actions
Tamil Nadu has taken a strong stance against Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project, asserting its historical water rights and the potential negative impact on agriculture. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar announced that the state government is pursuing legal measures to halt the project. Additionally, he criticized Kerala's attempts to raise the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam and emphasized the importance of the dam for the southern districts. The Tamil Nadu government is committed to ensuring timely water supply and will also advocate for interlinking rivers within the state and across southern India. This article delves into the ongoing water rights issues and the implications for farmers in the region.
Jun 18, 2026, 16:08 IST
Tamil Nadu's Firm Stance Against Mekedatu Dam
Tamil Nadu is strongly opposing the proposed Mekedatu dam project in Karnataka and has committed to preventing any new constructions or violations of safety regulations at the Mullaperiyar dam by Kerala. During the first session of the 17th Assembly on Thursday, Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar stated that the state government, led by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay, is taking necessary legal measures to halt Karnataka's attempts to construct the Mekedatu dam.
Concerns Over Water Rights and Agriculture
Arlekar emphasized, "The Cauvery Delta region is the granary of Tamil Nadu. Farmers in this area rely on the Cauvery river as their primary water source. Tamil Nadu has historically had the right to use Cauvery water. Despite the Supreme Court affirming our rights, we struggle annually to secure our share of water. Instead of providing us with our rightful allocation, the Karnataka government only supplies the remaining water to Tamil Nadu. In this context, Karnataka's efforts to implement the Mekedatu project could severely impact agricultural production and the livelihoods of farmers. Our government is taking essential legal steps to prevent this and ensure timely water supply to Tamil Nadu."
Criticism of Kerala's Actions Regarding Mullaperiyar Dam
Additionally, Arlekar criticized Kerala's actions concerning the Mullaperiyar dam in his policy speech. He stated that the Tamil Nadu government will firmly oppose Kerala's proposals for a new Mullaperiyar dam and attempts to raise the water level of the existing dam.
Importance of Mullaperiyar Dam
"The Mullaperiyar dam is a lifeline for the people in the southern districts. In 2014, the Supreme Court ordered that the water level of the Mullaperiyar dam could be raised to 142 feet and advised that it could be increased to 152 feet after strengthening the dam. However, the Kerala government has consistently refused to allow the necessary strengthening work and insists on constructing a new dam instead. Our government will take strong measures to prevent Kerala from building a new dam and will take concrete actions to repair the Mullaperiyar dam and raise its water level. The governor also mentioned that the Tamil Nadu government will vigorously pursue projects to interlink rivers, starting with those within Tamil Nadu and then urging the central government to connect rivers across southern states.