Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court’s rejection of Tamil Nadu’s plea opposing Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery River, calling it a just and balanced decision that benefits both states.
Speaking to reporters at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar said, “This is not about setback or victory. The Supreme Court’s decision has given justice on Mekedatu. It is a project for our water needs and does not harm Tamil Nadu in any way — in fact, it benefits them. The Court has responded to the people of Karnataka.”
The Supreme Court earlier ruled that the Mekedatu matter is under the consideration of expert bodies, and therefore beyond judicial interference at this stage.
Emphasizing Karnataka’s commitment to ensuring equitable water sharing, Shivakumar said the state will move ahead with the project while upholding all tribunal and court directives regarding Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water.
“Tamil Nadu will continue to receive its share of water as per the Court’s judgment. The Mekedatu project will actually help ensure that water reaches Tamil Nadu even during poor rainfall years. This project is being built on our land, with our own resources,” he said.
Calling the verdict a “victory for Bengaluru”, the Deputy CM said the project will secure drinking water for millions of residents in the city, including people from across the country who live there. He appealed to Tamil Nadu to support the project, stressing the need for cooperation between both states.
“This is a win for the people of Bengaluru. The water from Mekedatu will serve all communities living here. I urge Tamil Nadu to support this project so we can work together for mutual benefit,” he added.
Shivakumar also noted that the Supreme Court will guide the Central Water Commission (CWC) on the project, saying, “The Court will issue directions to the CWC. The Commission has no choice but to support the Mekedatu project.”
The Mekedatu project, designed to store around 66 TMC of water, is envisioned as a balancing reservoir to regulate water distribution to Tamil Nadu while ensuring drinking water supply to Bengaluru and surrounding regions.
