Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
The much-awaited meeting between the chief ministers of the two neighbouring states, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, which have been at odds over the sharing of Cauvery waters amid a rain-deficient year, took place in Mahabalipuram near Chennai.
The contentious issue of Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam project in Ramanagaram district, around 100 km south of Bengaluru and near the point where the Cauvery enters Tamil Nadu, has now emerged as a major flashpoint in the drought-hit region. Turning up the heat on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, the state’s main opposition party, the DMK, alleged that he remained silent throughout the meeting while his Karnataka counterpart, DK Shivakumar, spoke in favour of constructing the Mekedatu dam at the meeting of southern Chief Ministers.
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Addressing a press conference, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran said, “At the meeting of southern chief ministers held in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar openly spoke in favour of constructing the Mekedatu dam. However, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay, who was present there, remained silent without uttering a single word in opposition.”
For his part, Vijay, without specifically mentioning the Mekedatu reservoir, pointed out while addressing the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting that any interventions by an upper riparian state that could affect the lower riparian state’s fair share should proceed within a legal framework.
The Mekedatu project has remained a bone of contention for years, with Tamil Nadu arguing that any increase in water storage by Karnataka, the upper riparian state, could prove disastrous for the downstream state, especially during dry years.
In a letter to PM Modi, Vijay highlighted Clause XI of the Cauvery Tribunal Award, which states: “Any upper riparian State shall not take any action so as to affect the scheduled deliveries of water to the lower riparian States. However, the States concerned can by mutual agreement and in consultation with the Regulatory Authority, make any amendment in the pattern of water deliveries.”
Meanwhile, Shivakumar on Thursday stressed that he had assured Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, that their interests would be safeguarded in the proposed Mekedatu dam project.
Shivakumar said five TMC had been set aside for drinking water, while the rest of the water stored in the proposed reservoir would go to Tamil Nadu. He said he had made it clear to Amit Shah that, apart from the five TMC meant for drinking water, all the remaining water from the Mekedatu dam would be released to Tamil Nadu, even if there was only a single drop. He added that Tamil Nadu and Puducherry should have confidence that the project was being planned for their benefit as well, and not solely for Karnataka.
At the Southern Zonal Council meeting earlier, Shivakumar admitted that the Mekedatu project was important for both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Referring to a conversation before the meeting, he said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had told him that the Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu should be resolved. Shivakumar said every drop of water from the Mekedatu project would support farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, and added, “Help us to help you.”
Describing rivers such as the Cauvery, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Pennar and Palar as the lifelines of southern India, Shivakumar said the approach should shift from water sharing to water cooperation. He said rivers did not follow political boundaries and that water should unite states instead of becoming a cause of division.
Referring to the June 25 meeting involving Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, he said the three states had shown that interstate water disputes could be handled through talks. He said they had discussed resolving water-sharing issues amicably and had agreed to work towards a lasting solution to the water crisis with the involvement of Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil.
Shivakumar said Karnataka recognised that every riparian state had valid needs and that its stand was based on three principles: equity, transparency and cooperation.
At the same time, he said cooperation had to work both ways and that Karnataka’s lawful share under tribunal awards, along with the timely completion of projects meant to benefit its farmers, must be protected. Calling the June meeting with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana a historic landmark in interstate water relations, he said Chandrababu Naidu and Revanth Reddy had joined him as partners rather than competitors, adding that this reflected Karnataka’s approach.
Mekedatu is a multipurpose project proposed by Karnataka that involves the construction of a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Ramanagara district. Tamil Nadu has opposed the plan, saying it fears the state would be affected if it goes ahead.
Karnataka officials say the project is intended to supply 4.75 TMC of drinking water to Bengaluru and nearby areas, generate 400 MW of power, and is estimated to cost Rs 9,000 crore at 2019 rates.
– Ends
SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
