TN parties slam K'taka plans for Cauvery dams

Political parties in Tamil Nadu voiced strong opposition to Karnataka’s move to invite global expression of interest for a technical feasibility study to construct two reservoirs at Mekedatu across the river Cauvery.

Parties in the state, including the ruling AIADMK, urged the Centre to instruct the concern ministry not to give clearance to the Karnataka’s proposal.  "The plan of Karnataka to construct two reservoirs at Mekedatu across the river Cauvery would be a clear violation of the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal", Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said in a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal has been notified on February 19, 2013, and therefore, ir has the same force as an order or a decree of the Supreme Court, as per Section 6 (2) of the Inter State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.

Pointing out that the issue is sub judice since Tamil Nadu’s Interlocutory application to restrain the Karnataka government from executing the Shivasamudram and Mekedatu Hydro Electric Projects is still pending in the Supreme Court, Panneerselvam said "under the circumstances, I seek your immediate personal intervention in the matter and request you to advise the Government of Karnataka to withhold the expression of interest called by the neighbouring state.

The chief minister also asked Modi to advise Karnataka not to proceed with the feasibility study and desist from executing any irrigation, hydro power, lift irrigation schemes or any other scheme in the guise of drinking water supply in the Cauvery basin without the consent of the Tamil Nadu government.

He also urged the Centre to instruct the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Ministry of Water Resources not to give clearance to any project taken up by Karnataka without consulting Tamil Nadu.

DMK chief M Karunanidhi has asked the Tamil Nadu government to convene the special session of Assembly to pass a resolution against the move. The DMK leader said Karnataka's action is in defiance of the Cauvery Disputes Tribunal.