Mekedatu: Centre calls for TN, K’taka CMs meet

The proposed dam project in Mekedatu in Karnataka, is being opposed by Tamil Nadu which argues that it will affect its farmers.

The issue was discussed in detail by Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy in a meeting with Union Water resources and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari here on Wednesday.

“In the meeting, Gadkari said he was convinced that the Mekedatu project will benefit Tamil Nadu. The minister also assured that he will direct his officials to fix a meeting of Chief Ministers of the two states at the earliest,” an official spokesperson of the Karnataka government told reporters.

The Mahadayi water dispute between Karnataka and Goa was discussed in the meeting, but the Union minister said the mater is in court, he added.

The Karnataka Chief Minister during  the meeting brought to his notice that Tamil Nadu has raised objection against the project though it is beneficial to both states, especially for Tamil Nadu, the statement added.

He also requested Gadkari to resolve the issue by calling the meetings of the chief ministers. “Gadkari  obliged to call a meeting accordingly,” it said.

With the two main Tamil Nadu parties — AIADMK and DMK — protesting in Parliament opposing the Mekedatu project, Karnataka lawmakers, cutting across party lines, have planned an agitation Thursday in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in the Parliament complex to counter the two parties.

The AIADMK and the DMK are agitating in both Houses of Parliament pressing for scrapping of the proposed dam project. The Tamil Nadu government has also appealed in the Supreme Court on the matter.

Kumaraswamy’s brother and PWD Minister HD Revanna as well as Karnataka Chief Secretary TM Vijay Bhaskar were also present in the meeting in Delhi.