In Bengaluru, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar celebrated the Supreme Court’s decision to reject Tamil Nadu’s challenge to the Mekedatu dam project. The ruling, announced on Thursday, means the state can proceed with building the dam on the Cauvery River.
Shivakumar, who also manages Karnataka’s water resources, praised the court’s verdict as “justice served.” He said the decision confirms Karnataka’s right to move forward with the Mekedatu Detailed Project Report (DPR) and to secure the state’s water supply.
Speaking at Vidhana Soudha, Shivakumar told reporters that the court “has delivered justice” for Karnataka residents who have long faced water shortages. He added that the project will not hinder Tamil Nadu but will actually help it too. “Tamil Nadu will still receive its rightful share of water, and the dam’s reservoir will keep that promise,” he said.
The Supreme Court, with Justices B.R. Gavai, K. Vinod Chandran, and N.V. Anjaria, dismissed the appeal by Tamil Nadu in a “premature” move. The bench noted that the Central Water Commission (CWC) will only review the detailed report after consulting both states and expert bodies like the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
Shivakumar urged Tamil Nadu to cooperate on the project. He highlighted that the dam is built on Karnataka land and financed by Karnataka’s own money. “We need to work together with humanity,” he called out.
When asked about the next steps, Shivakumar said the CWC must approve the project. “They have no choice but to ensure justice is done,” he asserted.
The court’s ruling on November 13 clears the path for Karnataka to continue developing the Mekedatu dam, a key water project aimed at easing drought conditions for people across both states.
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