Coimbatore South MLA, Vanathi Srinivasan, calls on Chief Minister MK Stalin to intervene against Karnataka's ongoing endeavors to construct a dam at Mekedatu, a move that could potentially violate Supreme Court directives and affect Tamil Nadu's water rights.
Coimbatore: In light of the upcoming financial statement presentation in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly for the year 2024-25, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced the completion of preparations to build a new dam across the Cauvery at Mekedatu, Coimbatore South MLA Vanathi Srinivasan today (Feb 18) issued a statement demanding Chief Minister MK Stalin take decisive action against the move. Citing a 1924 agreement between Chennai and Mysore provinces, she highlighted that Karnataka cannot construct any dam across the Cauvery without the consent of downstream states, a stance affirmed by both the Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal and the Supreme Court.
The MLA criticized the Karnataka government's announcement as a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court's rulings, emphasizing the detrimental impact such a dam would have on Tamil Nadu, especially during drought years when Karnataka has already been reluctant to release Tamil Nadu's rightful share of water. She pointed out the critical reliance of Tamil Nadu's agriculture and major districts on Cauvery water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Srinivasan's statement also touched on the political implications of the issue, accusing the DMK government and Chief Minister MK Stalin of prioritizing political alliances over the welfare of Tamil Nadu's farmers and the state's water needs. She urged the Chief Minister to not only condemn Karnataka's plans publicly but also seek legal remedies to prevent the construction of the Mekedatu dam, leveraging his close relationships with Congress leaders and the Karnataka government.
Her appeal underscores the urgency of safeguarding Tamil Nadu's water rights and the need for the state government to take a firm stand against Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project, ensuring compliance with legal rulings and inter-state agreements.
The MLA criticized the Karnataka government's announcement as a blatant disregard for the Supreme Court's rulings, emphasizing the detrimental impact such a dam would have on Tamil Nadu, especially during drought years when Karnataka has already been reluctant to release Tamil Nadu's rightful share of water. She pointed out the critical reliance of Tamil Nadu's agriculture and major districts on Cauvery water for irrigation and drinking purposes.
Srinivasan's statement also touched on the political implications of the issue, accusing the DMK government and Chief Minister MK Stalin of prioritizing political alliances over the welfare of Tamil Nadu's farmers and the state's water needs. She urged the Chief Minister to not only condemn Karnataka's plans publicly but also seek legal remedies to prevent the construction of the Mekedatu dam, leveraging his close relationships with Congress leaders and the Karnataka government.
Her appeal underscores the urgency of safeguarding Tamil Nadu's water rights and the need for the state government to take a firm stand against Karnataka's Mekedatu dam project, ensuring compliance with legal rulings and inter-state agreements.