Why Mekedatu dam project is being opposed by Tamil Nadu?

The tussle between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu on the issue of River Cauvery has taken another turn. The proposal of Karnataka to build a dam at Mekedatu is opposed fiercely by Tamil Nadu.

About the Project:

• The government of Karnataka is planning to build a dam across river Cauvery near Mekedatu in Ramanagaram district.
• The proposed capacity of the dam is 48 TMC (thousand million cubic feet).
• The objective of the dam is to supply drinking water to Bengaluru and recharge the groundwater table in the region.

Why Tamil Nadu is opposing the project?

• Tamil Nadu’s main argument is that the project violates the final award of the Cauvery River Water Tribunal.
• Tamil Nadu argues that the construction of the two reservoirs would result in impounding of the flows in the intermediate catchment below the Krishnaraja Sagar and Kabini reservoirs, and Billigundulu in the common border of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka’s Arguments:

• Karnataka argues that Mekedatu project will not come in the way of releasing the stipulated quantum of water to Tamil Nadu, nor will it be used for irrigation purposes.
• Karnataka is willing to hold talks with Tamil Nadu on this issue.

The feasibility study of the dam is cleared by the Central Water Commission. The project requires further clearance by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).

Topics: GS-III: Conservation Environmental Pollution Degradation