Presenting the resolution, Vijay said water resources were directly linked to the welfare of farmers and the strength of the state's economy. He asserted that safeguarding Tamil Nadu's water rights remained the government's responsibility and called for a united approach to protect the interests of farmers and the people of the state.
Declaring that all political parties would stand together on issues concerning the people, the Chief Minister said his administration functioned with a sense of responsibility and conscience and urged legislators to demonstrate unity in protecting Tamil Nadu's interests.
The resolution urged the Union Government not to grant approval to Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu project and called upon the Centre not to process, examine or act upon the Detailed Project Report. It further sought directions from the Union Government advising Karnataka against proceeding with the project.
Referring to the Supreme Court's verdict on the Cauvery dispute delivered on February 16, 2018, the resolution stated that no new scheme or reservoir could be undertaken on the river without considering the interests and consent of the lower riparian states. It noted that the apex court had upheld the principles evolved by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and had emphasized the need to protect the rights of downstream states.
According to the resolution, the proposed project could adversely affect Tamil Nadu's rightful share of Cauvery waters and impact irrigation, drinking water supply and the livelihood of hundreds of thousands of farmers in the delta region. It warned that additional storage upstream could complicate water releases during years of deficient monsoon rainfall.
The resolution asserted that the responsibility of protecting the rights of lower riparian states could not be ignored and maintained that any attempt to create new storage structures without the concurrence of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry would be contrary to the spirit of the Supreme Court judgment.
Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin demanded that the resolution include a request to the Union Government for the constitution of a Cauvery Tribunal. Chief Minister Vijay accepted the suggestion and incorporated the demand into the resolution.
The Cauvery dispute has continued for decades. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal delivered its final award in 2007, establishing a water-sharing formula for both normal and deficient rainfall years. The Supreme Court largely upheld the framework in its landmark 2018 judgment while making minor modifications to allocations and directing the establishment of the Cauvery Management Authority.
Tamil Nadu has consistently maintained that it struggles to receive its allocated share of Cauvery waters, particularly during years of poor monsoon rainfall. The state has repeatedly accused Karnataka of prioritizing storage in its reservoirs and releasing water only after surplus levels are achieved. The proposed Mekedatu reservoir has consequently emerged as a major point of contention, with Tamil Nadu arguing that it would enable Karnataka to retain larger quantities of water upstream.
Karnataka, however, has maintained that the project is primarily intended to meet the drinking water requirements of Bengaluru and surrounding regions.
மாண்புமிகு தமிழ்நாடு முதலமைச்சர் திரு.ச. ஜோசப் விஜய் அவர்கள் இன்று (19.6.2026) சட்டமன்றப் பேரவையில், கர்நாடக அரசு தன்னிச்சையாக காவிரி நதியின் குறுக்கே மேகதாதுவில் அணை கட்ட முயற்சிக்கும் செயலுக்கு எதிர்ப்பு தெரிவித்து, அரசினர் தனித் தீர்மானத்தை முன்மொழிந்து உரையாற்றினார்.… pic.twitter.com/ZCWg8H1t2Q
— CMOTamilNadu (@CMOTamilnadu) June 19, 2026
The issue has acquired political significance as the Congress party, which governs Karnataka, is an ally of the minority Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government in Tamil Nadu. Addressing concerns that political alliances could weaken the state's position, Electricity Minister CTR Nirmal Kumar recently asserted that the government faced no such limitations and would continue to strongly oppose the Mekedatu project.
In a significant development, Minister Rajesh, representing the Congress party, became the first member to endorse the resolution in the Assembly.
Adding to the pressure, Manithaneya Makkal Katchi leader Professor MH Jawahirullah urged the Congress leadership to advise Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to adhere to the Cauvery verdict and respect the rights of downstream states.
With the Assembly taking up the resolution, the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam government sought to send a strong message that political parties in Tamil Nadu remain united in opposing any move perceived as threatening the state's share of Cauvery waters. The resolution underscored the continuing sensitivity of the decades-long river dispute and highlighted Tamil Nadu's determination to defend its water rights and the interests of millions dependent on the Cauvery.
About The Author
Comment List