Vijay writes to PM on Mekedatu, to visit Bengaluru for talks next month

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has voiced his disappointment regarding a statement from a Union minister concerning the controversial Mekedatu reservoir project. Stalin communicated his concerns in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, challenging the assertion that Karnataka does not require the consent of lower riparian states for the project.

The Union minister of state for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Choudhary, had reportedly stated that Karnataka is not obligated to seek approval from states downstream for the reservoir. This statement has drawn sharp criticism from Tamil Nadu, which fears the project could impact its water supply.

Adding to the diplomatic efforts, the Tamil Nadu government confirmed that Chief Minister Stalin is scheduled to visit Bengaluru next month. The visit is intended for discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing dispute over the Mekedatu project, which has been a point of contention between the two southern states.

The Mekedatu project, proposed by Karnataka, involves building a dam across the Cauvery river. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, citing potential adverse effects on its agricultural and drinking water needs, which are dependent on the river's flow. The state has argued that any such project must adhere to inter-state water sharing agreements.