Mekedatu Tribunal Won’t Undermine Tamil Nadu’s Water Rights, Says State Minister

When news broke that a fresh tribunal has been set up to hear the contentious Mekedatu water‑project case, many in Tamil Nadu wondered what it meant for the state’s long‑standing claim on Kaveri river water. The answer, according to the state’s water resources minister K. Krishnasamy, is reassuringly simple – the tribunal will not dent Tamil Nadu’s interests.

“We welcome the formation of a neutral body to examine the facts, but rest assured, the tribunal’s remit does not alter the legal position that Tamil Nadu has secured over its share of Kaveri waters,” Krishnasamy told reporters in Chennai on Thursday. He added that the state will continue to monitor the proceedings closely and will intervene, if needed, to protect its entitlement.

The Mekedatu project, proposed by Karnataka, aims to divert a portion of the Kaveri’s flow to the arid regions of Bengaluru and its surroundings. The proposal has sparked a decade‑long dispute, with Tamil Nadu insisting that any diversion must respect the water‑allocation formula decided by the Supreme Court and the earlier Cauvery Water Dispute Tribunal.

Krishnasamy emphasized that the newly constituted tribunal – a joint effort by the centre and the two states – is merely a procedural step. “It will examine technical and environmental aspects, but it cannot override the binding judgments that already define each state’s share,” he explained.

He also noted that the Tamil Nadu government is in constant touch with the Union Water Ministry, seeking its support to ensure that any decision aligns with the established water‑sharing framework. “We are not against Karnataka’s developmental aspirations; we just want a solution that does not compromise our rightful share,” the minister said, adding a note of cooperation to the often‑tense dialogue.

While the tribunal’s findings could influence future projects, Krishnasamy underscored that Tamil Nadu will resort to all legal avenues – including filing a review petition if necessary – to safeguard its water security. He concluded with a call for “constructive engagement, scientific assessments, and a spirit of camaraderie” between the neighboring states.

Thus, despite the fresh tribunal’s mandate, the water resources minister’s message is clear: Tamil Nadu’s claim remains intact, and the state will vigilantly protect its share of the Kaveri.