Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has expressed willingness to discuss the Mekedatu drinking water project with Tamil Nadu, stating that the project protects the interest of both states. The Chief Minister’s statement came in response to TN Governor Rajendra Arlekar’s address in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and ahead of the unanimous adoption of a resolution objecting to the Karnataka government’s proposal to construct a balancing reservoir across Cauvery at Mekedatu.
Mr. Shivakumar stated that the neighbouring State has used the issue as a ‘political agenda’ for the past 40 years. He emphasized that he will not interfere in their politics and is ready to talk with them anytime.
The Chief Minister also mentioned that the Congress being part of the government in Tamil Nadu will not affect the talks, and they will make whatever appeal needs to be made to them.
Describing the project as the ‘heart of South India’, he said that the Supreme Court has stated that the decision on the project should be made by the Central Water Commission. The project is a balancing reservoir, and not a single bucket of water will be used for irrigation. It will be used only to supply drinking water to Bengaluru since the city’s population is growing.
