Chennai, November 7, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi not to grant any statutory or administrative approval for Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu dam project without obtaining the consent of all Cauvery basin states, warning that it could seriously threaten the livelihoods of farmers in Tamil Nadu.
In a letter dated November 6, Vijay objected to the proposed construction of the dam across the Cauvery River and called on the Union government to protect Tamil Nadu’s water rights.
His intervention comes amid controversy over a recent visit by Central government officials to the proposed dam site in Karnataka to examine the project’s feasibility. Vijay questioned the field inspection, arguing that the project remains contentious among the Cauvery basin states.
He maintained that any move towards approving the project without the required consent would undermine existing water-sharing arrangements and federal principles.
The Chief Minister said the Cauvery is a vital source of irrigation and drinking water for Tamil Nadu, particularly its agriculturally important delta districts, where thousands of farming families depend on the river.
He warned that unilateral construction of the dam could adversely affect downstream water availability, threatening agricultural activities and farmers’ economic security.
Vijay urged the Prime Minister to ensure that no Central ministry, department or statutory authority grants approval or administrative support to Karnataka’s proposal without addressing Tamil Nadu’s objections and securing the consent of the concerned states.
He also stressed the need to adhere to the existing Cauvery water management framework and protect the rights of downstream states. He said the Union government must take a fair and impartial approach to inter-state river disputes, particularly when farming communities’ livelihoods are at stake.
The Mekedatu project has remained a longstanding point of disagreement between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with the latter consistently opposing developments that could affect its share of Cauvery waters.
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