‘State firm in its opposition to Mekedatu dam’

“Karnataka government may have several reasons to justify the construction of Mekedatu dam across river Cauvery, but the Supreme Court had clearly barred them from building any dam across river Cauvery,” said Thangamani, while addressing reporters in Chennai.

Thangamani participated in an Energy Conservation Week programme held in a private hotel in T Nagar and stressed on the need to conserve energy. “If a family saves one unit per year, we can save 100 MW of electricity. This is a simple task which can be done by every family,” said the Minister.

After the conservation week programme, the Minister was asked about the meeting of Karnataka MPs in New Delhi to discuss the ways to proceed in the Mekedatu issue, he replied that the state government will take all legal steps to stop Karnataka from constructing the Mekedatu dam.

Underground cables in Delta unfeasible

When asked about people’s opposition for setting up high tension electric towers in farmlands in delta districts affected by Cyclone Gaja, the Minister replied that the state government is giving one of the highest compensation for land and the farmers will be compensated if high tension tower is placed in their land.

When asked if there is any plan to lay underground cable in Delta districts, Minister replied that if underground cable is laid in the Delta districts, farming activities cannot be carried out. “Even a tree cannot be planted near the electric cable. No farming or construction activities can be carried out in 20 meters from the underground electric cables and it will be a disturbance to farmers,” said Thangamani.