Thanjavur: Shadow of proposed dam by Karnataka at Mekedatu near Ram Nagara, adjacent to Sangamam across Cauvery looms large over the Cauvery delta districts of Tamil Nadu.
People of the delta districts got some solace when Supreme court gave its final order on Cauvery, though with some reduction in share of water to Tamil Nadu ie 177.25 tmcft,and subsequent formation of Cauvery Management Authority.
But their peace was shattered by the ravages caused by Gaja cyclone this year. Even as they are yet to recover from it, permission given by the Central government to Karnataka for preparing a detailed project report for Mekedatu dam, which is called by Karnataka as “balancing reservoir” apparently to store surplus water, is strongly refuted by delta Farmers who say that it will steal the water from the share of Tamil Nadu.
“Centre’s permission is like adding salt to our wound”, said the farmers.
“If a dam is built here it will hinder the free flow of water from Kabini, K.R. Sagar to our Stanley reservoir-Mettur dam,” said P. Maniarasan, coordinator, Cauvery Urimai Meetpu Kuzhu, who has visited Mekedatu.
S .Ranganathan, secretary, Cauvery Delta Farmers Welfare Association said, Mekedatu dam when constructed will be at the door steps of Tamil Nadu, as it will be close to Thenkanikottai in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu border. “That is the worry. That will hinder water flowing to Mettur dam. Idea of Karnataka is to store 67 tmcft of water. Already, our share has been reduced to 177.25 tmcft. It is surprisingly how the Centre have permission for preparing detailed project report to the project when the matter is sub-judice. A case filed by former chief minister J. Jayalalithaa on Mekedatu project is spending in court. Moreover, Supreme court prevented construction of reservoirs by any state without concurrence from others. The act of the Centre is illegal and against final order of the court. This is the third resolution passed in Tamil Nadu state Legislative Assembly. Other two resolutions were passed in 2014 and 2016. Centre’s action raised doubts whether it is doing politics,” he elaborated. Delta farmers have resolved to stop the project come what may.
