TN to convey Mekadatu dam concerns to Centre

Chief Minister MK Stalin on Saturday asserted that his government would not allow the construction of the Mekadatu dam across the Cauvery and the legal battle to protect Tamil Nadu’s rights in the vexed riparian dispute would continue in the Supreme Court.

CM Stalin also announced that his Irrigation Minister Duraimurugan will soon lead a delegation of state legislature party leaders to Delhi to convey the unrest among the state people over the issue to the Union government.

Affirming that the DMK regime would go to any extent to fight, argue and uphold the rights of Tamil Nadu on the issue, Stalin said, “Tamil Nadu will not permit the construction of Mekadatu Dam across the Cauvery. It is wrong to discuss the issue (Mekadatu) in the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) meeting.”

“Tamil Nadu’s legal battle in the Supreme Court will continue. Tamil Nadu government will continuously fight to protect the rights of the State on the Cauvery ”

Expressing shock at CWMA chairman SK Haldar’s recent statement in Thanjavur that the authority would discuss the project report of Mekadatu in its ensuing meeting, Stalin sought to know if the authority has the authority to decide unilaterally? “The CWMA does not have the authority to discuss an issue pending before the Supreme Court. It is unlawful on the part of the authority chairman to make such a statement despite knowing it (limitations),” the CM remarked.

Stalin had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi a few days ago to prevent the discussion of the Mekadatu DPR in the ensuing CWMA meeting.