Cauvery water dispute escalates as Tamil Nadu farmers plan protests

Tensions regarding the Cauvery water-sharing dispute have escalated as farmer organizations in Tamil Nadu prepare for a five-day state-wide protest starting September 20. The Coordination Committee of All Farmers' Associations of Tamil Nadu is opposing Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu Dam project, labeling the project's Detailed Project Report as “fraudulent” and legally invalid due to a lack of consent from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Cauvery Water Management Authority.

Farmers' leaders argue the dam is being pushed for political gain and will harm agriculture in both states. As an alternative, they have proposed constructing a dam at Rasimanal in Tamil Nadu.

In a separate development, P Ayyakannu, president of the South Indian Rivers Linking Farmers’ Association, has called on the Tamil Nadu government to seek ₹1 lakh crore in damages from Karnataka through the Supreme Court. Ayyakannu alleges that Karnataka is failing to comply with court orders by releasing only 7,000 cusecs of water instead of the required 18,000 cusecs. Karnataka farmer leaders have countered these claims, noting that over 120 taluks in Karnataka are currently facing drought conditions.