SC Dismisses Tamil Nadu Plea on Mekedatu, Shivakumar says justice delivered

Bengaluru

Deputy Chief Minister (Dy.CM) D.K. Shivakumar hailed the Supreme Court’s (SC) dismissal of Tamil Nadu’s plea against the Mekedatu Project, calling it “a moment of justice” and “a victory for the people of Karnataka.”

Speaking to reporters in Vidhana Soudha premises on Thursday, Shivakumar said the apex court’s decision validated Karnataka’s long-standing stand on the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project. “The SC rejecting Tamil Nadu’s petition challenging the Detailed Project Report (DPR) means justice has been delivered. Mekedatu is our water, our right project. We are not obstructing Tamil Nadu in any way; in fact, the project will benefit Tamil Nadu too,” he said.

He clarified that the project, fully funded and executed by Karnataka, aims to regulate water flow and ensure sufficient supply to both states. “When there is water shortage, this balancing reservoir will help release water to Tamil Nadu as per the court’s directions. This is truly Karnataka”s victory. It will also ensure drinking water to those coming from other states. I appeal to Tamil Nadu to now cooperate — let’s work together in the spirit of humanity,” he urged.

Responding to questions on the role of the Central Water Commission (CWC) following the verdict, Shivakumar said, “The SC has made it clear that it will not intervene in this matter and has guided the CWC to take the process forward. The CWC has no option but to cooperate and grant clearance. They must ensure justice.”

He emphasised that with the legal obstacle cleared, the project would now move ahead, marking a significant step toward resolving Bengaluru’s drinking water crisis and ensuring equitable water management in the Cauvery basin.