TN CM requests PM Modi to construct reservoir across Cauvery river at Mekedatu

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E. Palaniswami wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday requesting him to construct a reservoir across Cauvery river at Mekedatu.

Palaniswami in his letter to the Prime Minister stated that the Karnataka Government has decided to implement Rs. 5,912 crore Mekedatu Multipurpose (drinking and power) Project across the river Cauvery, which involves building a balancing reservoir with a capacity of 66 TMC ft. For which, Karnataka has proposed to approach the Central Water Commission and Supervisory Committee of the Supreme Court and Union Ministry of Environment for getting required clearances.

The letter further stated that, last year, when the Centre had informed Tamil Nadu that Karnataka had been advised to share their plans for Mekedatu and other projects with the co-basin states as required under the Tribunal order and to bring them on board before taking up their Detailed Project Report.

Further, Karnataka Government had also assured Tamil Nadu "that it has no plans to proceed with the construction of the project without first informing the Supreme Court.