The centre’s nod to proceed with th Mekedatu reservoir project has been met with much criticism from the Tamil Nadu government. Earlier on Tuesday, following the centre’s approval for the project, state Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the project would prove to be a hindrance to the livelihood of several farmers who depend on the Cauvery river water.
“The Central Water Commission without considering the genuine and justifiable objections of Tamil Nadu has given permission to Karnataka to prepare the Detailed Project Report for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water Project. The action of the Central Water Commission has caused great alarm and apprehension among the people of Tamil Nadu as it will affect the livelihood of lakhs of farmers who depend on Cauvery water. In the circumstances, I request you to kindly direct the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, to instruct the Central Water Commission to forthwith withdraw the permission given to Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd., of Karnataka for preparation of the Detailed Project Report for Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water Project,” states the Chief Minister’s letter.
Earlier, Union Minister of State for Finance and Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan, too had expressed his displeasure with the approval for the Mekedatu project stating that, “We cannot permit the building of the Mekedatu reservoir, which will impact many people in Tamil Nadu.”