CHENNAI: Water Resources Minister Duraimurugan on Monday said the State government was taking all necessary steps to secure its rightful share of water from the Pennaiyar and Markandeya rivers.

Referring to legal proceedings, the Minister said Tamil Nadu had filed a suit in the Supreme Court on May 18, 2018, challenging Karnataka's move to construct dams and undertake water-related projects on the rivers.

"The Supreme Court directed the Union government to constitute a tribunal to adjudicate the Pennaiyar–Markandeya river water dispute. As there was a delay in forming the tribunal, the State government once again approached the apex court," Duraimurugan said.

He said the Supreme Court, while hearing the matter on Monday, directed that the tribunal be constituted within one month to resolve the long-pending dispute.

The Minister said the Tamil Nadu government would continue to pursue the issue legally and administratively to ensure that water from the Pennaiyar and Markandeya rivers reaches the State.

He added that securing the river water was crucial for meeting drinking water needs and supporting agricultural activities, benefiting people dependent on these river systems.

Duraimurugan reiterated that the State government was committed to safeguarding Tamil Nadu's water rights and protecting the interests of farmers and residents in the affected regions.