NEW DELHI: Karnataka chief minister DK Shivakumar on Sunday asserted that there is "no need of permission" to build the Mekedatu reservoir across the Cauvery river, which has been at the centre of a long-standing water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu.Shivakumar's remarks came after his Tamil Nadu counteprart C Joseph Vijay wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In his letter, Vijay urged PM Modi to ensure that Karnataka is not granted any clearance to construct the Mekedatu dam without the consent of the other Cauvery basin states, including Tamil Nadu.Also Read | 'Ask Karnataka to seek consent of co-basin states': Tamil Nadu CM Vijay urges PM Modi over Mekedatu dam project"I hope that Tamil Nadu's chief minister know the law of the land.
No need of permission from anyone.
The Supreme Court has already given permission that Karnataka is eligible to build the dam on its own site.
And it has put a condition that we should give them 177 TMC of water.
That is the condition," ANI quoted the Karnataka chief minister as saying.Shivakumar claimed that the Mekedatu reservoir would ultimately benefit Tamil Nadu more than Karnataka."Tamil Nadu will have more benefit from the Mekedatu reservoir.
Balance it is called a balancing reservoir," he said.He further said that Karnataka had identified 5,400 hectares of forest land for compensatory afforestation to meet environmental requirements.
The process is underway, after which the state will approach the water commission for clearance.Shivakumar reassured Vijay that Karnataka would honour its commitments and not misuse the water stored in the reservoir."I appeal to the Tamil Nadu chief minister; please send a team.
We will not misuse this.
We stand by our word," he stated.Join conversation Share your thoughts in the comments Be respectful · TOI community guidelines He furher called for cooperation between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, saying the two states should respect the Supreme Court's verdict and work together on water-sharing issues."There's no question of fighting.
The fighting days are over.
The Supreme Court has given a verdict.
Let us respect the law of this land.
Let us work together.
Let us share water," he added.He also highlighted the Cauvery's importance for drinking water, agriculture, livestock and industries in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Kerala.Describing the Cauvery basin as a gift to the country, Shivakumar urged Vijay to strengthen ties between the states and work towards farmers' welfare.Get the latest India News and Live updates.
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