'Under No Circumstances Will We Allow That': Minister Anand Rebuts Shivakumar on Mekedatu Dam

Tamil Nadu Minister Rejects Karnataka's Mekedatu Dam Position

The dispute over the proposed Mekedatu dam across the Cauvery river has intensified after Tamil Nadu Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources N Anand firmly rejected Karnataka's position on the project.

Speaking to reporters at Tiruchirapalli airport on Thursday, November 12, 2026, Anand said Tamil Nadu would not allow the proposed construction under any circumstances.

His remarks came in response to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar's assertion that Karnataka did not need permission from Tamil Nadu to build the dam.

Anand's strong response reflects Tamil Nadu's continued opposition to the project and the growing political disagreement between the neighbouring states.

Shivakumar Says Tamil Nadu's Permission Is Not Required

The latest exchange followed Shivakumar's response to a letter sent by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In his letter, Vijay urged the Centre not to grant clearance for the Mekedatu project without the consent of the other Cauvery basin states, including Tamil Nadu.

Shivakumar maintained that Karnataka did not require permission from Tamil Nadu to construct the reservoir. He argued that the Supreme Court had already recognised Karnataka's eligibility to build the project, subject to its obligation to release 177 TMC of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

He also described the proposed reservoir as a balancing project and claimed that it could benefit Tamil Nadu by helping regulate water availability.

Duraimurugan Backs Tamil Nadu's Opposition

DMK leader and senior Tamil Nadu politician Duraimurugan also supported Anand's position on the Mekedatu issue.

He questioned Karnataka's record of complying with existing Supreme Court directions concerning the monthly release of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.

The remarks underline Tamil Nadu's concerns that construction of the proposed reservoir could affect the state's downstream water interests.

The state has consistently opposed the project, arguing that any major infrastructure development on the interstate river must respect the rights and interests of all concerned basin states.

What Is the Mekedatu Dam Project?

The Mekedatu project is a proposed balancing reservoir across the Cauvery river in Karnataka, near the state's border with Tamil Nadu.

Karnataka has presented the project as an important infrastructure initiative, particularly for meeting Bengaluru's drinking water requirements and supporting water management.

The state has argued that the reservoir would help regulate water flows and that it would continue to honour its water-sharing obligations to Tamil Nadu.

However, Tamil Nadu has repeatedly raised objections, expressing concerns over the project's possible impact on Cauvery water availability and the state's existing water rights.

Cauvery Water Dispute Continues Between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

The disagreement over Mekedatu is part of the broader Cauvery water-sharing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The Cauvery is an important source of water for drinking, agriculture and other requirements across several states in southern India.

The two states have frequently disagreed over water releases, reservoir operations and infrastructure projects involving the river.

Karnataka maintains that it has the right to develop the proposed project within its territory, while Tamil Nadu insists that the interests of downstream states must be protected.

What Happens Next?

The latest statements indicate that neither state is ready to soften its position on the Mekedatu proposal.

Karnataka has reiterated its intention to pursue the project, while Tamil Nadu continues to oppose construction without addressing its concerns.

The legal and regulatory process surrounding the project remains important to its future. The competing claims made by political leaders do not, by themselves, settle the question of the approvals required for construction.

The Centre's role, environmental clearances and the proceedings concerning the project will remain important factors in determining its future.

Conclusion

The Mekedatu dam dispute has once again become a major point of tension between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Minister N Anand's categorical rejection of the project has come in response to D K Shivakumar's claim that Tamil Nadu's permission is unnecessary.

With both states maintaining their positions, the Cauvery water dispute is likely to remain a significant political and legal issue in southern India.