Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has appealed to all political parties to unite in support of the Mekedatu dam project, urging leaders to keep political differences aside when it comes to safeguarding the state’s interests.
Reacting to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the project, Shivakumar said Karnataka was entitled to build the dam within its territory in accordance with the Supreme Court’s order. He reiterated that the state would comply with the requirement to release 177 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu.
He said the proposed reservoir was intended to function as a balancing reservoir and would benefit Tamil Nadu as well.
On environmental clearances, Shivakumar said around 5,400 hectares of alternative forest land had been identified. The process of transferring the land to the Forest Department was underway, following which the state would approach the relevant authorities.
He urged BJP and NDA leaders to extend their support to Karnataka’s position and invited Stalin to send a delegation to the state for discussions.
Calling for cooperation rather than confrontation, Shivakumar said the Cauvery was vital for drinking water, agriculture and industries across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala. He stressed that dialogue between the states was necessary to protect the interests of farmers on both sides.