The long-standing Mekedatu dam dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu has once again intensified, with Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar making strong remarks against the neighbouring state over the proposed project across the Cauvery river. The issue, which has remained unresolved for decades, continues to trigger political and legal friction between the two southern states.

Shivakumar on Thursday said that Tamil Nadu, regardless of which party is in power, has consistently opposed the Mekedatu project and continues to “do politics” over the matter. He asserted that the issue has already been adjudicated by the courts and is now pending with the central government for further decisions. His comments come amid renewed debate over the feasibility and approval of the project.

Earlier, on May 26, the Karnataka Chief Minister welcomed a Supreme Court decision that dismissed a review petition filed by the Tamil Nadu government opposing the Mekedatu initiative. The ruling has been seen in Karnataka as a procedural relief, although the broader inter-state dispute remains unresolved.

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The Mekedatu project is a proposed multi-purpose initiative by Karnataka aimed at constructing a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in the region now known as Bengaluru South district. The project is designed to address drinking water and power needs, particularly for Bengaluru and surrounding areas, with an estimated allocation of 4.75 thousand million cubic feet (tmcft) of water for potable use and a projected power generation capacity of around 400 MW.

Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, arguing that it could adversely affect downstream water availability and disrupt the Cauvery river’s regulated flow. The state has maintained that its water-sharing rights under existing agreements and tribunal awards must be protected, and it has repeatedly raised objections at both legal and administrative levels.

In recent statements, Tamil Nadu officials have reiterated their firm opposition, with state ministers asserting that the project will not be allowed “at any cost.” The state government has also indicated that it is pursuing legal measures to block any construction activity, consulting experts on Cauvery water sharing and inter-state river management issues.

The dispute over Mekedatu reflects the broader and long-standing tensions between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Cauvery river water distribution. Despite multiple judicial interventions and tribunal awards, disagreements over usage, allocation, and new infrastructure projects continue to fuel political debate and periodic escalation between the two states.

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