Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking the Centre’s intervention to ensure that no approval is granted for Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu reservoir project unless it is fully consistent with the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) Award and the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment.

The letter has brought the long-standing Cauvery water dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka back into focus, with the Tamil Nadu government raising concerns over the impact of the project on downstream water rights.

Vijay Raises Concerns Over Mekedatu Project

In his communication to the Prime Minister, Chief Minister Vijay argued that any decision related to the Mekedatu project must respect existing legal frameworks governing the sharing of Cauvery river water.

The Tamil Nadu government has maintained that the project could affect the state's share of Cauvery water and has sought protection of the rights of downstream states.

What Is the Mekedatu Project?

The Mekedatu project is a proposed reservoir and drinking water project by Karnataka on the Cauvery River near the Karnataka-Tamil Nadu border.

Karnataka has argued that the project would help meet Bengaluru’s drinking water requirements and support water management.

However, Tamil Nadu has opposed the proposal, expressing concerns over its possible impact on downstream water availability.

Legal Background: CWDT Award and Supreme Court Judgment

The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal issued its final award in 2007, which was later modified through the Supreme Court’s 2018 judgment.

The dispute has remained one of India’s most sensitive inter-state water issues, involving questions of:

• Water sharing rights
• State interests
• River management
• Agricultural dependence

Centre’s Position Creates Fresh Debate

The issue gained momentum after the Centre’s response in Parliament regarding the legal requirement of consent from lower riparian states for projects on the Cauvery.

Tamil Nadu has challenged this position and urged the Centre to ensure that any administrative or statutory approval follows the established legal framework.

Political Impact

The Mekedatu issue has become a major political matter in Tamil Nadu because of its connection with:

• Farmers’ water requirements
• Interstate relations
• Regional politics
• River resource management

The matter is expected to remain a key point of discussion between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka governments.