Pondicherry assembly passes resolution against Centre's nod for DPR on Mekedatu dam

The resolution also took strong exception to the permission given by the Central Water Commission through a 'No Objection certificate' to Karnataka to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) on the dam project.

This comes a week after the Tamil Nadu assembly adopted a resolution unanimously urging the Centre to withdraw the permission given to Karnataka for the DPR for its proposed dam across river Cauvery at Mekedattu.

Tabling the resolution, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy said the construction of a dam would be "detrimental" to the interests of the ryots in Karaikal region of the Union Territory, which is among the lower riparian states depending on Cauvery river water.

He said the proposal to construct the reservoir was also in violation of the final order of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.

"Puducherry government and the Assembly register strong protest against the move of Karnataka and condemn the proposal in no uncertain terms," he said adding the House also condemned the Central Water Commission for giving permission to Karnataka to prepare the DPR.

He urged the Centre to scrap the permission accorded by the Central Water Commission to Karnataka without consulting the riparian states.

Earlier the members belonging to the ruling Congress and opposition block extended full support to the unanimous adoption of the government resolution .

Welcoming the resolution, Leader of the opposition N Rangasamy (AINRC) said, "it is a very well worded resolution and highlights the need to protect farmers of Karaikal against the move of the Karnataka government."

Earlier, the House paid homage to former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi, former Prime Minister A B Vajpayee, former Speaker of Lok Sabha Somnatah Chatterjee, the ex-Secretary General of the UN Kofi Annan and former Welfare Minister of Puducherry A Kasilingam who died during the recent months.

The Chief Minister and his cabinet colleagues, the Speaker and members of different political parties recalled the dedicated services of Karunanidhi, Vajpayee and others.

All the members stood in silence for a couple of minutes in memory of the departed leaders.

Later, the Speaker adjourned the House sine die.