Mekedatu project will not deprive Tamil Nadu of its share of water: Karnataka CM to PM Modi

BENGALURU: Assuring the Union government that the proposed Mekedatu dam across the river Cauvery would not deprive Tamil Nadu of its share of 192 TMC Ft water, the state government sought the cooperation of central ministries concerned for execution of the project.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with leaders of all parties in New Delhi on Thursday, said the state government would meet Union ministers again on completion of the detailed project report (DPR).

“We sought the support of Government of India to go ahead with the project. We are planning to construct a dam across the Cauvery, which is in our territory. This project will not affect the interests of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the project is politically motivated. The Prime Minister has not given any assurance. He said that he would examine it,” he told the media after meeting Mr Modi.

Mr Siddaramaiah also urged Mr Modi to convene a meeting of Chief Ministers to discuss about introduction of a new policy on regional languages as the medium of instruction in primary schools.

Stating that Karnataka has plans to implement both Sivasamudram and Mekedatu projects on its own, the memorandum submitted to Mr Modi said Karnataka would benefit not only because of the hydro-electric power project (addition of about 400 MW) but also help augment supply of drinking water to Bengaluru during summer.