Tamil Nadu CM Vijay directs officials to expedite legal steps on Mekedatu dam row involving Karnataka

In the wake of the "Bhumi puja" (groundbreaking ceremony) for the Mekedatu project being planned, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay held a review meeting over Karnataka's proposal to construct a dam on river Cauvery.

Tamil Nadu has vehemently opposed this project.

"The detailed review meeting was held to establish Tamil Nadu's rights and safeguard farmers' interests," it said.

The cases pertaining to the issue were discussed, with the Supreme Court last dismissing Tamil Nadu's review petition against an earlier ruling that only Central experts can decide on the SC's legal purview, it said.

"The chief minister directed expediting legal steps after detailed consultations, keeping in mind the aforesaid court ruling," the release added.

Karnataka plans to construct a balancing reservoir on the river Cauvery at Mekedatu to meet the twin objectives of drinking water requirements and power generation.

Tamil Nadu, a lower-riparian state, has been insisting that it would be affected if the project were to take shape.

Cabinet ministers--N Anand, Adhav Arjuna and R Nirmalkumar, besides Advocate General Vijay Narayan, participated in the meeting.

(with PTI inputs)