DMK opens first Parl battle over Mekedatu; notices issued

CHENNAI: Amid discussion over a soft stance on BJP-led Centre Delimitation plans, the DMK has submitted notices in both Houses of Parliament seeking a discussion on the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir in Karnataka.

DMK parliamentary party leaders TR Baalu in the Lok Sabha and Tiruchi Siva in the Rajya Sabha submitted notices to the Secretaries-General of their respective Houses ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. In a statement, the DMK said it wanted Parliament to discuss Tamil Nadu farmers' concerns about Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir across the Cauvery River.

"The party will raise the Mekedatu issue in both Houses of Parliament and seek a resolution. A separate tribunal should be constituted to adjudicate the Mekedatu reservoir dispute," the statement said.

The decision follows a resolution adopted at a meeting of DMK MPs chaired by party president MK Stalin.

The resolution accused the Congress government in Karnataka of failing to release Tamil Nadu's due share of Cauvery water, resulting in the delayed opening of the Mettur dam and causing hardship to farmers in the Cauvery delta.

The DMK also reiterated its strong opposition to the Mekedatu project and urged the Union government to constitute a tribunal to resolve the dispute. The party further claimed that during the previous DMK government, Karnataka's attempts to advance the Mekedatu project were effectively stalled by ensuring that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was not taken up by the Cauvery Water Management Authority and by opposing the grant of environmental clearance for the project.

Following the adoption of the resolution, the DMK decided to raise the issue in Parliament and accordingly submitted notices in both Houses seeking a discussion.