Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Urges PM to Block Karnataka's Mekedatu Dam Project

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the Centre to block Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river. The appeal follows recent announcements by the Congress-led Karnataka government to push ahead with the construction.

In his letter, Vijay argued that the project is a "clear violation" of a Supreme Court ruling. He also voiced alarm over comments made by Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister, DK Shivakumar, regarding the project.

On Monday, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister convened a high-level meeting in Chennai to defend what he called the "state's rights" and protect the interests of farmers.

According to an official statement from the Tamil Nadu government, the Chief Minister, after a thorough review of the Supreme Court's judgement and legal advice, directed that immediate follow-up legal action be taken. The statement noted that Tamil Nadu had previously filed petitions against the Mekedatu project with the apex court on 30 November 2018 and 7 June 2022.

It further stated that during a hearing on 13 November 2025, the Supreme Court did not grant permission for the dam, observing that the project remained at a preliminary stage. The Court also ruled that only the Central Water Commission - as the expert body - could determine whether the proposal fell within the scope of its earlier judgement, and consequently ordered the closure of related cases.

Vijay's move came after Shivakumar announced that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Mekedatu would soon be submitted to the Centre, with a foundation stone ceremony planned once Union approval was secured. "The DPR has been prepared, and a project office opened. We are identifying alternative land to compensate for submerged forest areas. Once the Centre grants approval, we will perform the bhoomi puja," Shivakumar told reporters.

The Cauvery river water dispute is a long-standing issue involving Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and the Union Territory of Puducherry. It remains highly sensitive in both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, having previously triggered violent protests.

Meanwhile, the actor-turned-chief-minister is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in New Delhi. It will be his first visit to the national capital after his TVK emerged as the single largest party in the recently-concluded state elections by winning 107 seats in the 234-member assembly.