Tamil Nadu Urges Centre to Withdraw Rajya Sabha Reply on Mekedatu Dam Project
Tamil Nadu Urges Centre to Withdraw Rajya Sabha Reply on Mekedatu Dam Project
On 28 July 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay urged the Union Government to withdraw a reply given in the Rajya Sabha concerning the proposed Mekedatu dam project on the Cauvery river, stating that the reply overlooked settled law and the rights of lower riparian states like Tamil Nadu.
Background
The Mekedatu multi-purpose (drinking water and power) project is proposed by Karnataka on the Cauvery river, upstream of Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the project, arguing it violates the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and the Supreme Court's 2018 verdict on Cauvery water sharing, and would adversely affect the flow of water into the state, particularly to the Mettur reservoir and the Cauvery delta farmers.
Key Highlights
- CM Vijay's government continued Tamil Nadu's long-standing position against unilateral construction of Mekedatu without Tamil Nadu's and the Cauvery Water Management Authority's consent.
- The Chief Minister stressed protecting the interests of lower riparian states in inter-state river water disputes.
- The issue reflects continuity in Tamil Nadu's water-sharing stance despite the change in the state government in 2026.
TNPSC Relevance
Inter-state river water disputes, Article 262 of the Constitution, and bodies like the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) are recurring topics in TNPSC Polity and Tamil Nadu-specific General Studies sections.
Constitutional Relevance
Article 262 empowers Parliament to adjudicate inter-state river water disputes and bar Supreme Court jurisdiction in such matters through law (Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956).
Static GK Links
- Cauvery originates at Talakaveri, Karnataka, and flows through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry.
- Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal was constituted in 1990; Supreme Court delivered its final verdict in February 2018.
- Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) was constituted in 2018 to implement the Supreme Court order.
Exam Notes
Memory tip: Mekedatu is on the Cauvery, in Karnataka, opposed by Tamil Nadu — remember "Mekedatu = Karnataka's dam, Tamil Nadu's dispute."
TNPSC MCQs
| No. | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Mekedatu project is proposed on which river? | Cauvery — Explanation: Mekedatu is a proposed reservoir project by Karnataka on the Cauvery river, upstream of Tamil Nadu. |
| 2 | Which constitutional article deals with inter-state river water disputes? | Article 262 — Explanation: Article 262 empowers Parliament to provide for adjudication of disputes relating to waters of inter-state rivers. |
| 3 | The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) was set up in which year? | 2018 — Explanation: CWMA was constituted following the Supreme Court's February 2018 verdict on Cauvery water sharing. |
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