Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Appeals to PM Modi on Mekedatu Project Concerns

Chief Minister's Letter to Prime Minister

C. Joseph Vijay, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the proposed Mekedatu project. In his letter, he urged the central government to prioritize the interests of the lower riparian states and ensure that any decisions regarding the project align with the rulings of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) and the Supreme Court's verdict on the Cauvery water dispute.

Concerns Over Minister's Statement

In his correspondence, Vijay referenced a statement made by the Minister of State for Water Power in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha about the Mekedatu project. The minister indicated that the Supreme Court's ruling from February 16, 2018, did not explicitly require Karnataka to obtain consent from the lower riparian states before constructing any structures on the Cauvery River. Vijay expressed disappointment with this response, suggesting it disregarded the current legal framework and established laws concerning the consent of lower riparian states.

Legal Precedents Cited

The Chief Minister also highlighted the Supreme Court's decision in the case of 'Karnataka vs. Andhra Pradesh' related to the Alamatti project. The court ruled that Karnataka could not undertake construction without the consent of the lower riparian state, emphasizing the necessity of such approval. Vijay pointed out that the Supreme Court had clearly endorsed Section XVIII of the CWDT award, which stipulates that each state must regulate water within its territory according to the tribunal's directives. He argued that any project affecting the regulated flow of the Cauvery should be evaluated based on compliance with this award.

Tribunal's Comments on Water Regulation

Vijay also referred to the tribunal's remarks regarding Kerala's Pamba hydroelectric project. Despite the minimal water usage of only 0.1 TMC, the tribunal instructed both Kerala and Tamil Nadu to collaboratively establish a schedule for water release to prevent adverse impacts on irrigation in lower areas. According to Vijay, this illustrates that the tribunal not only valued the annual distribution of water but also recognized the importance of regulating water releases that affect the interests of lower riparian regions.

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