Bengaluru: Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Saturday invited leaders from Tamil Nadu opposing the Mekedatu project to visit the proposed dam site, saying he was ready to explain how it would benefit the neighbouring State.
He said Karnataka would not step back from implementing the project, which he described as the State’s right, and would protect its interests while ensuring that Tamil Nadu received its due share of water.
“Instead of opposing the project, they should come with a delegation. I will take them to the site and explain the benefits. We will not step back at any stage when it comes to protecting Karnataka’s interests,” he told reporters.
Asked about the opposition from Tamil Nadu Congress president Manickam Tagore and other leaders, Shivakumar volunteered to explain the project.
“Let anyone oppose it. This is our State and this is our right. People in Tamil Nadu must also understand this. They are welcome to come with a delegation if they wish. I am ready to take them to the site where the dam is proposed to be built and explain the project to them,” he said.
“Politics is being played over the issue. If the Congress does not oppose it, the DMK will; if the DMK does not, the AIADMK will. But this is not a political issue. Everyone must respect the law of the land and accept the Supreme Court’s order,” he added.
Shivakumar said Karnataka would honour Tamil Nadu’s entitlement to 177 TMC of water as specified by the Supreme Court, while safeguarding its own rights.
“Providing them with their share of water is our duty. We will build the dam and ensure that they get their water. We will protect our rights and respect theirs as well,” he said.
He said the Centre had asked Karnataka to provide alternative land for the forest area that would be submerged by the project. “This is a project being built on our land. Apart from the requirement to provide alternative land for the forest area, it is our project,” he said.
Responding to concerns that the project could affect Tamil Nadu’s water share, Shivakumar reiterated that Karnataka would ensure the neighbouring State received the water due to it.
The Chief Minister said he had urged the Centre to grant the forest and environmental clearances required for the project. All political parties in Karnataka had supported it, and the State government was in the process of submitting the necessary documents, he added.
“The government is ready to take the project forward once the required clearances are obtained,” he said.
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