TN CM asks Modi to advise Karnataka not to construct dams

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam today appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to advise Karnataka not to proceed with its plan of setting up new reservoirs across the Cauvery river at Mekedatu, saying the move would affect flow of water to Tamil Nadu.
"I would like to reiterate that the unilateral action of the Government of Karnataka to proceed with the execution of two new reservoirs across Mekedatu would amount to gross violation of the final order dated February 5, 2007 as notified in the Gazette on February 19, 2013 as it would affect the flow of water to Tamil Nadu", he said in his letter to Modi.

In this context, Panneerselvam recalled the passing of an unanimous resolution in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on December 5, 2014 urging Centre to advise Karnataka not to proceed with construction of two new dams at Mekedatu.
He expressed regret that despite repeated requests by the state government for the formation of Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, the Centre has not acceded to it.
"I request you to instruct the Ministry of Water Resources to constitute the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee without any further delay so as to ensure that the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal is implemented in letter and spirit", he said.

Panneerselvam referred to previous letters sent by him to Modi stating that Karnataka had invited global expression of interest for a feasibility study for construction of two dams and said it was a clear violation of the final order of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.