DMK Demands Central Tribunal Over Mekedatu Dam and Cauvery Water
During a virtual meeting held in Chennai on Thursday, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Members of Parliament passed a resolution demanding that the Union Government establish a central tribunal to resolve the Mekedatu dam dispute. Chaired by DMK President M K Stalin ahead of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament, the party also demanded that the Centre ensure Karnataka releases Tamil Nadu's rightful share of Cauvery River water.
The resolution highlighted the severe agricultural impact on Tamil Nadu's farming community, pointing to the non-opening of the Mettur Dam on its customary date of June 12. The DMK strongly condemned the Karnataka government for refusing to release Cauvery water since January 2024, calling it a violation of the Supreme Court's final verdict and criticizing Karnataka's stance before the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC).
According to the resolution, the DMK has consistently worked to block Karnataka's attempts to construct the Mekedatu dam. The party noted that the previous DMK administration successfully stopped the discussion of Karnataka's Detailed Project Report (DPR) at the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and ensured the removal of environmental clearance applications from the Union Ministry's agenda.
Drawing a parallel to former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's efforts in securing the original Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, the resolution stated that a similar tribunal is now necessary to permanently resolve the Mekedatu issue.
Additionally, the party praised the passage of an official resolution in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, where Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin proposed an amendment resolution demanding a tribunal for the Mekedatu issue.
DMK MPs have been directed to forcefully raise these demands during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament to pressure the Union Government to guarantee the water release. Following the meeting, Stalin stated on social media that DMK MPs will raise their voices strongly against the Mekedatu dam construction attempts to protect Tamil Nadu's legitimate rights.
In a second resolution, the DMK affirmed that its parliamentary delegation will continue to oppose any new central legislation that infringes upon state autonomy, alters the federal structure, or dilutes constitutional values.
