DK Shivakumar Raises Mekedatu Project at Southern Zonal Council Meet in Chennai

Karnataka leader DK Shivakumar raised the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project at the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram, Chennai, asserting that the initiative would benefit farmers in both Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.

The meeting in Chennai was chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and brought together leaders and officials from across the southern states and Union Territories, including Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Keralam, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Puducherry, Lakshadweep, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Interstate water sharing was among the key issues under discussion among the attending representatives.

Speaking about the Cauvery water dispute, Shivakumar stated that Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu had spoken with him about the need to resolve the matter between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu while walking to the session. Shivakumar assured that every drop of water from the Mekedatu project would aid farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, making an appeal for cooperation.

Tamil Nadu has maintained opposition to the construction of the balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river, stating that the project would adversely impact the state's interests if implemented.

In a post on social media, Shivakumar described the council meeting as an opportunity to interact with chief ministers, deputy chief ministers, ministers, and senior officials from across the southern region. He stated that discussions covered shared priorities and issues critical to regional progress, development, and interests, affirming that Karnataka remains committed to working alongside neighbouring states.

Ahead of the council proceedings, Shivakumar noted interactions with the Keralam Chief Minister, Telangana Deputy Chief Minister, Telangana Agriculture Minister Thummala Nageswara Rao, and Home Minister Priyank Kharge. Separately, Keralam Chief Minister V D Satheesan noted that he held an interaction on the sidelines in Mahabalipuram with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay, in the presence of Keralam Minister for Industries and Information Technology P K Kunhalikutty.