Chennai, November 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay is expected to visit New Delhi on November 16 to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project, amid growing differences between the two states over the Cauvery river.
The anticipated meeting follows Vijay’s November 7 letter to the Prime Minister, in which he highlighted the possible consequences of the project for Tamil Nadu and urged the Centre not to grant permission without the state’s consent.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, however, has maintained that his government does not require another state’s permission to construct a dam within its territory.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar claimed that the Supreme Court had already permitted Karnataka to proceed with the project, subject to meeting its water-release obligations. He said the state would continue to release 177 thousand million cubic feet (tmc) of water annually to Tamil Nadu.
Shivakumar expressed hope that Vijay understood the legal position and argued that Tamil Nadu would also benefit from the project, describing the proposed dam as a reservoir that could store water for use during droughts.
He said Karnataka’s BJP and National Democratic Alliance leaders supported the proposal. He also claimed that an additional 5,400 hectares had been identified to compensate for the forest land required for the project and that related work was progressing.
Calling for cooperation between the two states, Shivakumar urged them to move beyond confrontation. He said he would request Vijay to send a delegation to Karnataka to examine the project.
Tamil Nadu Rural Development and Water Resources Minister N. Anand rejected Karnataka’s position, asserting that the state government would oppose the dam under all circumstances.
The dispute intensified during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Karnataka to inaugurate projects worth Rs 15,600 crore. On the occasion, Shivakumar sought the Prime Minister’s support for the Mekedatu project, claiming that the Supreme Court had delivered a clear verdict and that nobody could prevent Karnataka from constructing the dam.
He also urged the Centre to grant the necessary environmental and forest clearances.
Against this backdrop, Vijay’s expected Delhi visit is likely to provide an opportunity to present Tamil Nadu’s objections directly to the Prime Minister, particularly concerns over the project’s implications for Cauvery water availability.
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