Tamil Nadu moves Supreme Court against Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir
The Central Government had given a go ahead to the Karnataka Government to prepare a Detailed Preparation Report (DPR) for their Mekedatu balancing reservoir and drinking water project across the Cauvery River. However, this has decision taken by the Central Water Commission (CWC) has erupted issues between the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka as they both share the Cauvery River.
Tamil Nadu Government has moved Supreme Court in order to stay the operation of this permission that was given by the Central Government on the 22nd November. The petition that has been sent to the Supreme Court says, “Restrain Karnataka and it’s instrumentalities, Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Limited from proceeding with the preparation of DPR with regards to the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir cum drinking water project, pursuant to the permission given by the CWC on November 22nd.”
Tamil Nadu government is seeking directions from the Supreme Court to Karnataka to maintain the status till the petition is disposed. The TN Government also stated that the CWC has given permission for the projected and ignored their objection towards the project. They also said that this decision taken by the CWC violates the the adjudication rendered by the tribunal as modified by the Supreme Court.
This attempt by the Karnataka government is to increase their storage capacity and increase their irrigation quality which violates the decision of the tribunal. This also jeopardizes the rights of the inhabitants of Tamil Nadu state to the flows of the inter-state river Cauvery.