States » SouthPosted at: Nov 14 2026 3:29PM


Karnataka will build Mekedatu dam while protecting TN's share: Shivakumar

Bengaluru, Nov 14 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday struck a firm note on the contentious Mekedatu project, asserting that Karnataka would exercise its right to build the proposed Cauvery reservoir while honouring Tamil Nadu's allocated share of 177 TMC of water.
In a direct response to Tamil Nadu's opposition, Shivakumar said Karnataka would not abandon the project and would pursue it in accordance with the Supreme Court's directions, securing the necessary forest and environmental clearances from the Centre.
He also challenged the neighbouring state to understand the project on the ground rather than oppose it, inviting the Tamil Nadu government to send an all-party or official delegation to Karnataka.
"Let them come with a delegation. I will show them and explain how this project will benefit them," he told reporters here.
Seeking to address Tamil Nadu's concerns over the interests of its farmers, Shivakumar maintained that Karnataka had both an obligation to protect the state's water entitlement and a legitimate right to develop the reservoir for its own requirements.
"It is our duty to protect their right. At the same time, it is our right to build the dam and provide them with water," he said.
The Mekedatu balancing reservoir, proposed across the Cauvery river, has remained a major flashpoint between the two neighbouring states.
Karnataka argues that the project is essential to meet Bengaluru's drinking water requirements and regulate water availability, while Tamil Nadu fears that the reservoir could affect water flows to its farmers.
Shivakumar said there was political unanimity in Karnataka on taking the project forward, adding that he was submitting the required documents to the concerned Central ministries to obtain clearances. He also said he had urged the Centre to reject the Kasturirangan report.
The Chief Minister's remarks come amid renewed exchanges between the two states over the project, with Tamil Nadu reiterating its opposition and Karnataka maintaining that the reservoir would not compromise its downstream water commitments.
Signalling that the Cauvery dispute should not hold back broader development cooperation, Shivakumar said political competition between states should not come in the way of infrastructure and economic progress.
"In politics, we will compete; in development, we will cooperate," he said.
Referring to his recent interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Shivakumar said he had also raised Karnataka's infrastructure demands, including equal funding by the Centre and state for Metro Rail projects, constitution of a technical committee, expediting pending Metro projects and extending the Pink Line.
He sought additional flyovers and double-decker structures in Bengaluru, arguing that the city's road infrastructure was inadequate. Only about eight per cent of Bengaluru's geographical area was covered by roads, compared with 18-20 per cent in other places, he said.
Pointing to land acquisition costs of around Rs 50,000 per square foot, he said the state was prepared to share the expenditure on double-decker structures. Modi had agreed to the proposal to bring an all-party delegation to discuss Karnataka's infrastructure requirements, he added.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Karnataka will build Mekedatu dam while protecting TN's share: Shivakumar
More News

Kerala 17th in rice price inflation; Centre's data contradicts claims of abnormal price rise

15 Nov 2026 | 8:19 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (UNI) Kerala ranks 17th among States and union Territories in retail rice price inflation, with the rate remaining significantly below the national average, according to data released by the union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.

see more..

Karnataka HC quashes SC/ST Act case against Baba Kalyani

15 Nov 2026 | 8:18 PM

Bengaluru, Nov 15 (UNI) The Karnataka High Court has quashed criminal proceedings under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, against Bharat Forge Chairman Babasaheb N Kalyani, businessman Ashok Kheny and D Ravishankar, holding that the unexplained 11-year delay in filing the complaint amounted to an abuse of the process of law.

see more..

N Badusha selected for seventh Dr Kamaruddin Memorial Environment Award

15 Nov 2026 | 8:16 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (UNI) N. Badusha, a veteran environmental activist known for his decades-long efforts to protect the ecological heritage of Wayanad, has been selected for the seventh Dr Kamaruddin Memorial Environment Award for 2026.

see more..

Hyd: CognitiveBotics releases Children's Day film celebrating small victories of neurodivergent children

15 Nov 2026 | 8:14 PM

Hyderabad, Nov 15 (UNI) CognitiveBotics, an AI-powered early intervention platform for autism and developmental delays, has released a Children's Day brand film titled 'Progress is Priceless', celebrating the everyday achievements of neurodivergent children and the efforts of their parents.

see more..

UST Trivandrum Marathon attracts over 14,000 runners; Basil Joseph flags off third edition

15 Nov 2026 | 8:14 PM

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 15 (UNI) More than 14,000 runners from over 10 countries and 25 states participated in the third edition of the UST Trivandrum Marathon held here on Sunday, marking a nearly threefold increase in participation since its launch three years ago.

see more..