Will obey SC order, but won’t drop Mekedatu plan: DKS

In the exclusive interview, to be aired on Wednesday, Shivakumar, in reply to a question on why Tamil Nadu, being a lower riparian state, was not consulted before preparing Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Mekedatu reservoir, said, “I am not interested in investing in Tamil Nadu nor is seeking help from the state. This (Karnataka) is my land, my right and I have to protect it”.

Recently, Shivakumar stirred a controversy in the Mekedatu issue by writing a letter to Chief Minister, Edappadi K.Palaniswami, seeking his appointment to discuss the Mekedatu issue but his demand was refused by the state government.

Under the circumstance, Shivakumar, revealed why Mekedatu dam is important both for Karnataka and for Tamil Nadu and said that Karnataka will respect and follow the Supreme Court judgement even if dam is constructed.

However, Shivakumar was evasive on questions concerning the history of Karnataka not implementing the directions of Supreme Court in releasing water from Cauvery river.

Replying to another question whether Karnataka will consult Tamil Nadu while trying to implement similar dam projects, Shivakumar replied that in the future Tamil Nadu will be discussed when such a project is prepared.

When asked why Karnataka government is planning to take five TMC of water from Mekedatu dam for Bengaluru when Supreme Court had already allotted 14 TMC of water for the city, Shivakumar replied that it is true that the Apex Court had allotted 14 TMC of water for Bengaluru but has not mentioned the place from where the water needs to be drawn.

“The 5 TMC water for Bengaluru planned to be drawn from Mekedatu reservoir is part of the 14 TMC water allotted and it is not extra water for Bengaluru,” said Shivakumar.