Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Bengaluru, Nov 13 (IANS) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday welcomed the Supreme Court’s dismissal of Tamil Nadu’s petition against the Mekedatu project, calling it “justice served” and a “victory for the people of Bengaluru”.
Shivakumar, who also holds the water resources portfolio, said the decision strengthens Karnataka’s right to implement the project.
Speaking to reporters at the Vidhana Soudha complex in Bengaluru on Thursday, Shivakumar said, “The Supreme Court’s rejection of Tamil Nadu’s petition against the detailed project report (DPR) of the Mekedatu project is like getting justice from the judiciary.”
When asked if this development is a blow to Tamil Nadu, he replied, “I will comment in detail once I have complete information. This is not a blow to anyone; rather, this is justice delivered by the court. Mekedatu is our water and our right. We are not disrupting Tamil Nadu in any way. In fact, this project will benefit Tamil Nadu even more. The court has answered the prayers and hardships of our people.”
“As per the court’s directions, Tamil Nadu will continue to get its due share of water. Therefore, we will go ahead with the project. It is being built on our land and is funded by our own resources. This balancing reservoir will help in ensuring the release of water to Tamil Nadu when there is a water shortage. This is a victory for the people of Bengaluru. This project will also benefit people coming from other states including Tamil Nadu. I appeal to Tamil Nadu to cooperate in this project now. Let us in the spirit of humanity Work together,” Shivakumar urged.
“The court has said that in such cases it will only guide the Central Water Commission (CWC) and will not interfere directly. Asked whether the CWC will now approve the project, Shivakumar said, ‘The CWC has no other option but to approve. They have to ensure that justice is done.’
The Supreme Court on Thursday (November 13) refused to entertain an application filed by the State of Tamil Nadu against Karnataka State’s plan to construct Mekedatu Dam on the Cauvery River.
Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, Justice K. A bench of Justices Vinod Chandran and NV Anjaria said Tamil Nadu’s challenge to the order passed by the Central Water Commission (CWC) to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for the Mekadatu dam was “premature” as the plan would be approved only after considering the state’s objections as well as the opinions of expert bodies, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and the Cauvery Water Management Authority. (CWMA).
–IANS
mka/skp