Chennai, June 22,:
Tamil Nadu Minister N. Anand has reiterated that the formation of any new tribunal over the Mekedatu dam issue will not adversely impact the state, while firmly asserting that there will be no compromise in protecting Tamil Nadu’s water rights.
Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Anand stressed that safeguarding farmers’ interests remains the government’s top priority. He noted that Chief Minister Joseph Vijay had personally met the Prime Minister to present Tamil Nadu’s concerns regarding the Mekedatu project, and that a resolution passed in the Assembly opposing the project has already been sent to the Centre.
The minister clarified that the proposed formation of a new tribunal would not harm Tamil Nadu’s interests. However, he cautioned that the threat posed by the Mekedatu project is still not over. He also dismissed claims that the Cauvery Water Management Authority had rejected Karnataka’s detailed project report, stating instead that it had only been forwarded to the concerned water resources authority.
Meanwhile, Minister Aadhav Arjuna has called for the establishment of a new commission to address the Cauvery River water dispute more effectively. He argued that evolving challenges and disputes between states necessitate a stronger and more structured mechanism to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests.
Aadhav Arjuna emphasized that Tamil Nadu will continue to strongly oppose the Mekedatu project proposed by Karnataka, as it could potentially affect the state’s share of Cauvery water, particularly impacting farmers in the delta region.
He further stated that any decision regarding river water sharing must strictly adhere to legal provisions and ensure that Tamil Nadu’s rights are not compromised under any circumstances.
Both ministers underlined that the state government remains united in its stand against the Mekedatu project and is committed to pursuing all legal and administrative measures to protect Tamil Nadu’s water resources and agricultural interests.