Minister calls dam construction at Mekedatu as 'not acceptable'

The construction of a dam at Mekedatu in Karnataka was 'not acceptable' and a situation that may lead to the building of the reservoir across Cauvery would not arise, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan said Saturday. Talking to reporters at the airport here, he said, "no one will accept the construction of the reservoir at Mekedatu.. Such a situation will not arise."

Recently, the Central Water Commission had allowed Karnataka to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the construction of a balancing reservoir cum drinking water project at Mekedatu across the Cauvery, which has been opposed by both the ruling AIADMK and DMK.

On the impact of cyclone Gaja in Tamil Nadu, Radhakrishnan said he had already discussed the relief measures with the Centre and a "good news is expected soon."

To a query on the reported remarks on Hindu Gods by Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman, he said he does not have any locus standi to comment on spirituality. "let him talk politics, society.. it has no belief in spirituality, let him keep quiet," he said.

Criticising the mode of agitation adopted by some farmers from Tamil Nadu in New Delhi, the Union Minister of State for Finance said they had degraded the status of other farmers. Some farmers from Tamil Nadu had reportedly bared themselves during the protest Friday pressing for their demands, including debt relief.

On the reported observation made by Congress chief Rahul Gandhi on the increasing 'unemployment' in the country, he said, "only Congressmen are jobless."

(With inputs from agencies.)