Tamil Nadu Government Stands Firm on Rights Over Cauvery River Amid Karnataka's Mekedatu Project
Minister N. Anand has reiterated Tamil Nadu's unwavering commitment to its rights over the Cauvery River water in light of Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project. The state government is taking strategic legal actions to protect farmers' livelihoods and historical water rights. Following a unanimous assembly resolution for a tribunal, Anand emphasized that the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling secures Tamil Nadu's share of the water. The situation remains tense as the Cauvery Water Management Authority has returned Karnataka's project report without comments, indicating ongoing risks. Former DMK minister E.V. Velu has expressed the party's intent to collaborate with the new government to strengthen the state's legal stance.
| Jun 22, 2026, 18:39 IST
Tamil Nadu's Commitment to Cauvery River Rights
On Monday, Minister N. Anand emphasized that the Tamil Nadu government will not compromise on its rights to the Cauvery River water or the livelihoods of its farmers concerning the proposed Mekedatu dam project in Karnataka. He affirmed the government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of farmers and the historical water rights of Tamil Nadu. Anand, who oversees the Rural Development and Water Resources Department, noted that following Karnataka's renewed attempts for the balancing reservoir project, the state has taken several measures. These include consultations with legal experts, discussions with senior officials, and escalating the matter to the National Green Tribunal.
Government's Strategic Response to Mekedatu Project
He also mentioned that Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay had met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inform him about the state's opposition to the project. In response to the DMK's demand for a tribunal, the assembly unanimously passed a resolution on June 19. Anand described the establishment of a tribunal as a strategic move to ensure that Karnataka and the central government do not proceed unilaterally with the Mekedatu dam project. He reiterated that the government's stance is that the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling has secured Tamil Nadu's share of the Cauvery water, and no new tribunal can alter that.
Concerns Over Project Risks
He clarified that the Cauvery Water Management Authority has not rejected Karnataka's Detailed Project Report (DPR) but has returned it to the Central Water Commission without any comments, indicating that risks remain. Former DMK minister E.V. Velu stated that his party has decided to collaborate with the new government on this issue, and the opposition leader has proposed a crucial amendment to strengthen the state's legal position.