Karnataka Assembly adopts resolution on Mekedatu project, counters Tamil Nadu
India Today
Karnataka legislative assembly members unanimously adopted a resolution on Thursday countering a similar move by their counterparts in Tamil Nadu on the Mekedatu balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project.
The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution countering Tamil Nadu’s similar move regarding the Mekedatu project across river Cauvery.
While exerting pressure on the Centre to give necessary clearances for the project, the resolution also urges it not to finalise the DPR under the ‘Peninsular River Development Plan’ without the state’s consent, and not to give approval for Tamil Nadu’s “illegal” projects.
Piloted by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, the resolution condemns Tamil Nadu Assembly’s resolution opposing the Mekedatu project, stating that it will in no way affect that state.
It also urged the Central Water Commission and the Ministry of Environment and Forest to immediately give necessary clearance for the Mekedatu project.
It also urges the concerned central agencies not to finalise the DPR for Godavari Krishna -Pennar Cauvery Vaigai Gundar river linking, until the legitimate share of the concerned states are decided upon and until all aspects of it (DPR) are agreeable to Karnataka, and also not give approval for Tamil Nadu’s “illegal” projects and to direct it not to go ahead with them.
The Tamil Nadu Assembly on Monday adopted a unanimous resolution condemning the Karnataka government for its “unilateral decision” to proceed with the Mekedatu project and prevail upon the Centre to reject the proposal.
Terming the Tamil Nadu’s resolution as unwarranted, against federal system, and the language used in it as impolite, Bommai, citing the Supreme Court order regarding the Cauvery river water dispute, said Karnataka is within its Constitutional rights to implement the Mekedatu project.
