Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, C. Joseph Vijay, has instructed officials to escalate legal efforts concerning the Mekedatu dam project. Emphasizing the state’s commitment to safeguarding its rights over Cauvery river water, the Chief Minister issued these directives during a high-level meeting at the Secretariat. The meeting, attended by water experts, legal professionals, ministers, and senior officials, aimed to address concerns over the potential impacts of the dam project on water sharing.
Reports of Karnataka’s plans to conduct bhoomi poojan for the Mekedatu dam project have reignited worries in Tamil Nadu. The meeting primarily focused on evaluating the legal and technical aspects of the project. It also aimed to strategize further steps to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests in the ongoing inter-state river dispute.
Experts briefed Chief Minister Vijay on the legal intricacies surrounding the case. Notably, officials highlighted that the Supreme Court had disposed of Tamil Nadu’s petitions challenging the Mekedatu project in a judgment dated November 11, 2025. The court had indicated that the project’s compliance with past judicial directives and water sharing agreements would be assessed by the Central Water Commission, comprising technical experts.
Considering recent legal developments, Chief Minister Vijay urged officials to conduct in-depth legal consultations and expedite the state’s next actions. He underscored the necessity for a comprehensive legal strategy to ensure the protection of Tamil Nadu’s rights over Cauvery water. The meeting witnessed the presence of key officials, including Water Resources Minister S. Anand, Public Works Minister Aadhav Arjuna, and Energy and Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmalkumar, among others.
