‘Mekedatu Dam Is Permanent Solution’: Karnataka CM Shivakumar After All-Party Meet On Cauvery Water

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has termed the proposed Mekedatu dam project a “permanent solution” to the Cauvery water dispute with Tamil Nadu. After an all-party meeting, he said Supreme Court rulings and the Centre’s response should be considered while moving ahead with the project. The meeting focused on Karnataka’s strategy after the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee directed the release of 3,500 cusecs of water daily for 15 days, a decision later upheld by the Cauvery Water Management Authority. Shivakumar stressed that political differences should be set aside to protect Karnataka’s interests, with farmers and drinking water needs remaining the priority. The meeting saw participation from leaders across parties, including six former Chief Ministers. Meanwhile, BJP leaders also attended and called for dialogue to resolve the long-standing interstate Cauvery dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.