Kumaraswamy defends Mekedatu project, criticises Tamil Nadu’s opposition

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday (June 21) appealed to Tamil Nadu not to exert pressure on Karnataka for the release of Cauvery water, pointing out that the State was facing a rainfall deficit and its reservoirs were far from full.

Speaking to reporters in Mandya, Mr. Kumaraswamy said Tamil Nadu should recognise the prevailing situation in Karnataka and acknowledge the challenges posed by inadequate rainfall.

Recalling past instances of water-sharing, he said Karnataka had released surplus Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu whenever there was abundant rainfall and sufficient storage in reservoirs. “On several occasions, Karnataka released nearly twice the quantity of water due to Tamil Nadu under the sharing arrangements,” he said.

Calling for cooperative federalism, Mr. Kumaraswamy said both States should maintain cordial relations and avoid unnecessary disputes.

“Tamil Nadu must understand the present situation in Karnataka. We are neighbouring States and must function in a spirit of brotherhood,” he said.

Alleging that Karnataka had faced injustice in irrigation-related matters, the Union Minister said reservoirs such as Kabini and Hemavathi, constructed with public funds, had effectively become sources for water releases to Tamil Nadu.

He credited former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda with strengthening Karnataka’s irrigation sector and said he had played a key role in advancing major irrigation projects and safeguarding the State’s interests.

For drinking water purposes: H.D. Kumaraswamy

Defending the proposed Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, Mr. Kumaraswamy criticised Tamil Nadu’s opposition to it, asserting that the project was intended to utilise Karnataka’s legitimate share of Cauvery water and meet the drinking water requirements of Bengaluru and surrounding areas.

“The Detailed Project Report has already been submitted and we have clearly stated that the project is meant for drinking water purposes,” he said, while responding to questions on the resolution adopted by the Tamil Nadu Assembly against the project.

Mr. Kumaraswamy maintained that the Mekedatu project would benefit both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, as surplus water would continue to flow downstream whenever reservoirs reached capacity.

He also took a swipe at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, accusing him of not effectively raising the Mekedatu issue in Parliament despite being the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha.

“H.D. Deve Gowda made sincere efforts to convince the Centre on the project and to protect Karnataka’s interests. He even met the Prime Minister on the matter,” he said.

The Union Minister said Karnataka had not been able to secure justice on several of its long-pending demands concerning water resources. “We must accept that all of us have failed to adequately protect the State’s interests,” he said.

Referring to the rainfall situation, Mr. Kumaraswamy said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed concern over the rain deficit in Karnataka during recent Union Cabinet discussions.

“We do not know how the rainfall situation will unfold in the coming months. Political parties in Tamil Nadu must stop pressuring Karnataka on this issue,” he said.