Palaniswami writes to Modi for withdrawing Karnataka's DPR on Mekedatu reservoir

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Palaniswami on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to withdraw the permission given to Karnataka for the preparation of a project report for Mekedatu reservoir across the Cauvery river.

In a letter to Modi, the text of which was released to the media here, Palaniswami requested the Prime Minister to direct the Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to instruct the Central Water Commission to withdraw the permission given to Cauvery Neeravari Nigam Ltd for conducting a detailed project report (DPR).

The Cauvery Neeravari Nigam, Karnataka, plans to prepare the DPR for Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water Project.

"The Government of Tamil Nadu has already conveyed its decision to the Government of India that the Feasibility Report of Karnataka for constructing a Balancing Reservoir at Mekedatu across the river Cauvery is not acceptable and also furnished detailed comments to the Feasibility Report," Palaniswami said.

He said the proposal for the reservoir is not just for drinking water as claimed by Karnataka. It will also increase the extent of irrigation which is in clear violation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Award as affirmed by the Supreme Court.

"The Central Water Commission, without considering the genuine and justifiable objections of Tamil Nadu, has given permission to Karnataka to prepare the DPR," Palaniswami said.

(With inputs from agencies.)