Farmers association opposes new tribunal on Mekedatu issue
Delta farmers are urging the DMK to withdraw its proposal for a tribunal to resolve the Mekedatu dam dispute with Karnataka. The association is instead calling for state government intervention to ensure water release and financial support for agricultural losses.
Why it matters
The Mekedatu dam project is a long-standing point of contention affecting water security and agricultural livelihoods in Southern India.
Delta farmers have made an appeal to the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) to withdraw its suggestion for formation of a tribunal to decide on Karnataka’s proposal to build a balancing reservoir at Mekedatu.
A resolution to this effect was passed at the ‘Drought Conference’ organised by the Tamizhaga Cauvery Vivasayigal Sangam at Tiruvarur on Saturday, wherein the Sangam called upon the DMK to give up this suggestion, which formed part of the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and the Adjournment Motion moved by the DMK MPs in Parliament, recently.
While making this appeal to the DMK, the association exhorted the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam-led State government to take steps to get Cauvery water released by the Karnataka government as per the Supreme Court order in the tribunal award case for taking up ‘samba’ cultivation in delta districts.
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