Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay moves a resolution in the Assembly against the Karnataka government’s proposal to construct a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery at Mekedatu
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Leaders of various political parties on Thursday (June 19, 2026) welcomed and supported the resolution moved by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in the Assembly opposing the Karnataka government’s proposal to construct a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery at Mekedatu .
Speaking on the resolution, Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin said it was the DMK’s firm position that the project should not be allowed, as it would affect the livelihood of Tamil Nadu’s farmers.
He said Tamil Nadu’s rights over the Cauvery waters had been secured only after decades of legal and political struggles. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, its interim and final awards, the Supreme Court’s verdict and the formation of the Cauvery Water Management Authority had all been made possible due to the efforts of the DMK government led by former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi.
Udhayanidhi on DMK’s opposition to project
Mr. Udhayanidhi recalled when Karnataka pursued the project, the DMK government under then Chief Minister M.K. Stalin had strongly opposed it. When Karnataka allocated ₹1,000 crore for the Mekedatu project, the Tamil Nadu Assembly had passed a resolution condemning the move.
He said Mr. Stalin had written to the Prime Minister on the issue, while an all-party delegation led by then Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan had met the Union Jal Shakti Minister and conveyed Tamil Nadu’s objections.
He further pointed out that in November 2024, the Union Environment Minister had informed Tamil Nadu that Karnataka’s proposal would be considered only after an amicable settlement was reached between the two States.
Mr. Udhayanidhi also said on March 4, 2026, the Tamil Nadu government had written to the Union Jal Shakti Ministry seeking the constitution of a fresh tribunal under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, treating the Mekedatu project as a new dispute. He urged the Chief Minister to amend the resolution to specifically urge the Union government to constitute a new tribunal under Section 4 of the Act.
He assured the DMK’s support for all legal and political measures taken to prevent Karnataka from constructing the dam. He suggested that instead of merely forwarding the resolution to the Union government, an all-party delegation comprising Tamil Nadu MLAs and MPs should personally submit it to the Centre to demonstrate the State’s unity.
Later, the Chief Minister moved an amendment to the resolution incorporating the Opposition Leader’s suggestion to urge the Centre to constitute a new tribunal on the issue.
EPS on AIADMK efforts
AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami detailed the measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government to oppose the project during the tenures of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and himself.
He said Jayalalithaa had met the Prime Minister over the issue, while he too had met the Prime Minister and the Union Jal Shakti Minister during his tenure. Mr. Palaniswami outlined the legal measures taken by the AIADMK government and said Tamil Nadu had repeatedly been forced to fight legal battles to secure its due share of Cauvery water.
Congress Legislature Party leader and Tourism Minister S. Rajesh Kumar condemned Karnataka’s move, saying it was detrimental to the interests of farmers in the Cauvery delta districts and to Tamil Nadu’s drinking water needs. VCK legislature party leader and Social Justice Minister Vanni Arasu recalled Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s proposal for the nationalisation of rivers and urged the Centre to act impartially on the Mekedatu issue.
PMK floor leader Sowmiya Anbumani said 28 of Tamil Nadu’s 38 districts depended on Cauvery water, which catered to the needs of nearly 5.5 crore people. An upper riparian State could not unilaterally construct a dam without the consent of the lower riparian State.
CPI floor leader T. Ramachandran said the Mekedatu proposal was against the spirit of the Constitution and federalism, and called for an all-party meeting to discuss the issue before meeting the Prime Minister and the Union Jal Shakti Minister.
DMDK MLA Premallatha Vijayakant said there had been no permanent solution to the Cauvery, Mullaperiyar and fishermen issues since Independence and urged the government to focus on water conservation measures.
CPI(M) floor leader R. Chellaswami, Nagapattinam MLA M.H. Jawahirullah, Chidambaram MLA, Tamimun Ansari, Pollachi MLA Nithyanandan, and Kadayanallur MLA T.M. Rajendran also spoke on the resolution.
Published - June 19, 2026 04:54 pm IST
Read the full article at The Hindu →📄Source document: Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal
9 reports
The HinduIndependentLeft2 days agoPolitical leaders in Tamil Nadu's Legislative Assembly have supported a resolution opposing Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery River. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin emphasized Tamil Nadu's historical claims to Cauvery water rights, citing past legal battles and the role of the DMK government in securing these rights. He noted the DMK's consistent opposition to the project, including a previous resolution condemning Karnataka's allocation of funds for the dam.
Bias read (Left): The article emphasizes the DMK's historical stance against the Mekedatu project, highlights their role in securing Cauvery water rights through legal and political efforts, and frames the issue as a matter of protecting Tamil Nadu's interests. The language and emphasis suggest alignment with the DMK
Official sources cited
- government Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal
- government Supreme Court
Scroll.inIndependentCenter2 days agoThe Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a resolution opposing Karnataka's proposal to build the Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery River. The resolution criticized Karnataka for proceeding unilaterally without adhering to the 2007 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and the 2018 Supreme Court ruling. The proposed dam aims to supply drinking water to Bengaluru and generate electricity but could affect water flow to Tamil Nadu. The Cauvery water dispute has historical roots dating back to agreements in 1892 and 1924.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the situation objectively, citing both Tamil Nadu's concerns and Karnataka's intentions. It references legal rulings and historical disputes without taking a stance or using biased language. The framing remains neutral, focusing on the facts of the resolution and the underlying水
The HinduIndependentRight2 days ago Mekedatu project: Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar expresses willingness to talk to Tamil NaduKarnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed willingness to engage in discussions regarding the Mekedatu drinking water project with Tamil Nadu. He criticized Tamil Nadu for using the issue as a 'political agenda' over the past four decades. His comments followed the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly's resolution opposing the Karnataka government's plan to build a balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu. Shivakumar emphasized that the project serves the interests of both states and mentioned the Supreme Court's involvement in the matter.
Bias read (Right): The article frames the Mekedatu project as a point of contention between two states, with Karnataka's chief minister accusing Tamil Nadu of using the issue for political gain. The language used ('political agenda') suggests a critical stance toward Tamil Nadu's position, while emphasizing Karnataka'
Official sources cited
- government TN Governor Rajendra Arlekar's address in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
- government Resolution moved by TN Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay
The HinduIndependentCenter2 days ago What is the Mekedatu dam project dispute? | ExplainedKarnataka plans to construct a ₹9,000-crore balancing reservoir at Mekedatu, approximately 100 km from Bengaluru, to store 67.16 TMC of water. The project has sparked a legal and political dispute with Tamil Nadu, which opposes the dam citing concerns over water rights. The Supreme Court recently deemed Tamil Nadu's challenge 'premature,' allowing Karnataka to proceed with submitting a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) to the central government. Tamil Nadu's Water Resources Minister has stated the state will resist any attempts by Karnataka to move forward with the project.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both sides of the dispute without overtly favoring either Karnataka or Tamil Nadu. It includes quotes from officials in both states and references the Supreme Court's stance, providing a balanced overview of the situation.
Official sources cited
- government Karnataka Government
- government Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department
- court Supreme Court of India
The HinduIndependentCenter2 days ago T.N. Assembly unanimously adopts resolution against Karnataka government’s Mekedatu dam proposalThe Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly unanimously passed a resolution opposing the Karnataka government's plan to build the Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery River. The resolution cited the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal's 2007 decision and the Supreme Court's 2018 ruling, which determined that the Cauvery basin is a 'deficit basin' with all available water already allocated to the states involved. The resolution urged the central government not to approve any technical or environmental clearances for the proposed dam.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly against the Karnataka government's Mekedatu dam proposal in a neutral manner. It quotes directly from the resolution and references legal rulings without apparent bias toward either state or political ideology. The framing remains
Official sources cited
- government Resolution moved by Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly
- court Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Award (February 5, 2007)
- court Supreme Court Judgment (February 16, 2018)
Times of IndiaIndependentCenter2 days agoTamil Nadu's state assembly has passed a resolution opposing Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery River. The resolution argues that the project violates existing legal frameworks, including the 2007 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and the 2018 Supreme Court ruling. Tamil Nadu claims the project ignores the established water-sharing agreements and lacks necessary approvals from the central government and other basin states.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the positions of both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka regarding the Mekedatu dam project, citing legal rulings and official statements from both parties. There is no overtly biased language or selective sourcing that favors one side over the other. The framing remains neutral, focusing
Official sources cited
- government Tamil Nadu Assembly Resolution
- court Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Award (2007)
- court Supreme Court Order (2018)
The PrintIndependentCenter2 days agoThe Tamil Nadu Assembly has passed a resolution opposing the Mekedatu dam project in Karnataka.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual statement without explicit ideological language or framing. It reports on a legislative action without commentary or emphasis on any particular political perspective.
Hindustan TimesIndependentCenter2 days agoKarnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay regarding the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project. He emphasized the importance of cooperation between the two states over the shared Cauvery River and urged putting aside political differences for the benefit of the people.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a neutral summary of the chief minister's statement without overtly favoring either state or political party. It focuses on the call for cooperation and does not include biased language or selective sourcing.
Official sources cited
- government Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's Statement
The HinduIndependentCenter3 days ago T.N. Assembly to pass resolution demanding State’s due share of financial devolution: Governor ArlekarGovernor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar announced that the Tamil Nadu Assembly will pass a resolution demanding the state's due share of financial devolution from the Union government. A Special Legal Committee will be formed to take the matter to the Supreme Court. The governor emphasized the need to document every rupee owed to Tamil Nadu and publish a report highlighting what he described as the Union government's 'discriminatory approach' toward financial devolution. He also mentioned plans to support ongoing archaeological research at several UNESCO World Heritage sites in the state.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the governor's statements without overtly biased language or selective sourcing. It reports on the proposed resolution and legal actions without taking a stance on whether the financial claims are justified or whether the Union government is being discriminatory. The framing is,
Official sources cited
- government Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar's Address to the Assembly
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