Tamil Nadu CM 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 made 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.

Vijay referenced a statement made by the Minister of State for Water Resources 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 downstream states before constructing any structures on the Cauvery River. Expressing disappointment, Vijay described the response as "disheartening," suggesting it overlooked the current legal framework and established laws regarding the consent of lower riparian states.

Legal Precedents Cited

The Chief Minister also referred to the Supreme Court's decision in the case of 'Karnataka vs. Andhra Pradesh' related to the Alamatti project. He pointed out that the court ruled that Karnataka could not undertake construction without the consent of the downstream state, emphasizing the necessity of such consent.

Vijay highlighted 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 its compliance with this award.

Tribunal's Observations on Water Regulation

He also mentioned the tribunal's comments regarding Kerala's Pamba hydroelectric project. In that instance, despite the water usage being only 0.1 TMC, the tribunal instructed both Kerala and Tamil Nadu to collaboratively establish a schedule for water release to prevent adverse effects on irrigation in downstream 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 impact the interests of lower riparian regions.