Karnataka Water Resources Minister D.K..Shivakumar has sought an appointment with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami to discuss the proposed Mekedatu project and reach an amicable solution.
“The government desires to have an amicable solution. It appears that some misconceptions about the proposed project have occurred in government’s and Tamil Nadu people’s mind though actual reality of the project is different,” he said in a letter to Mr. Palaniswami.
“In view of this, I hereby seek your appointment to present the project details and also have discussion as indicated above at your convenient time,” he added.
Mr. Shivakumar said the project would help in regulating judicious release of water so that excess water is not allowedto flow from the Mettur dam into the sea needlessly as has hadhappened this year.
Mr. Shivakumar, who also spoke to reporters, said the project was being considered for the state’s power needs, not for irrigation.
He also urged Tamil Nadu not to politicise the issue.
The Central Water Commission recently allowed Karnataka to prepare a Detailed Project Report for the construction of a balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project at Mekedatu across the Cauvery, which has been opposed by both the ruling AIADMK and DMK.
The Supreme Court Wednesday has agreed to hear next week aplea of Tamil Nadu government against the nod granted toKarnataka for preparing the DPR.
Political parties in Tamil Nadu contend that if the dam was permitted, it would affect Tamil Nadu farmers who depend on Cauvery waters for irrigation.
