Published Jun 19, 2026 | 11:41 AM ⚊ Updated Jun 19, 2026 | 11:41 AM
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay moved a resolution against Mekedatu dam.
Synopsis: Amid renewed tensions over the Cauvery River water dispute, the Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution against Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam project. It reiterated Tamil Nadu’s long-standing position that no new project can be undertaken in the Cauvery basin without the consent of all basin states.
The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly on Friday, 19 June, unanimously adopted a resolution moved by Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay strongly opposing the proposed Mekedatu dam project planned by the Karnataka government across the Cauvery River.
The resolution urged the Union government not to grant any form of approval, including technical and environmental clearances, to the project.
It reiterated Tamil Nadu’s long-standing position that no new project can be undertaken in the Cauvery basin without the consent of all basin states.
Also Read: Vijay meets PM Modi, raises ‘Vande Matharam’, Mekedatu dam issues
Moving the resolution, Chief Minister Vijay said Tamil Nadu strongly objects to Karnataka’s unilateral attempt to construct a dam at Mekedatu without respecting the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal issued on 5 February 2007, and the Supreme Court judgment delivered on 16 February 2018.
The resolution stated that Karnataka had neither obtained concurrence from other basin states nor secured approval from the Union government, and hence, making such an attempt completely unacceptable to Tamil Nadu.
It further stressed that both the tribunal and the Supreme Court had already observed that the Cauvery basin is a deficit basin and the available water has already been apportioned among basin states. Therefore, no new project or additional utilisation of water can be permitted in the basin.
The Assembly also urged the Union government to advise Karnataka against constructing any dam or new storage project at Mekedatu or elsewhere in the Cauvery basin without obtaining consent from other basin states and prior approval from the Centre.
The resolution further demanded that the Central Water Commission should neither examine nor process the Detailed Project Report submitted by Karnataka for the project.
Participating in the debate, AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said the previous AIADMK government had consistently prevented Karnataka from proceeding with the Mekedatu project through various legal and administrative efforts.
He alleged that despite court rulings, Karnataka has repeatedly failed to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and strongly condemned the Karnataka government for unilaterally allocating funds for the construction of the dam project.
Also Read: Tamil Nadu Assembly passes resolutions against Karnataka not releasing Cauvery water
Speaking during the debate, Leader of Opposition in Tamil Nadu Assembly, Udhayanidhi Stalin, said Tamil Nadu can never allow other states to take away its rights over Cauvery water.
The former deputy chief minister said the state secured its Cauvery rights after a prolonged legal battle and asserted that even while being part of alliance governments in the past, the DMK had strongly opposed any move that threatened Tamil Nadu’s share in the river water dispute.
Udhayanidhi said the Opposition fully supports the resolution moved by the government and recalled that immediately after assuming office, the government had written to the Prime Minister, convened an all-party meeting and directly urged the Union government to intervene.
He further said the DMK would support all measures taken by the Tamil Nadu government to safeguard the state’s rights over Cauvery waters.
During the discussion, Vijay stressed that legislators and MPs from Tamil Nadu, across party lines, should jointly meet the Prime Minister and collectively press the state’s demand before the Union government.
Following the debate, the resolution opposing the Mekedatu dam project was passed unanimously in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, with all parties extending support and reiterating the need to protect the interests of Tamil Nadu farmers dependent on Cauvery water.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
