Tamil Nadu-Karnataka water dispute sparks protests and cabinet meeting

Farmers from Tamil Nadu marched from Ozhur toward the Karnataka border demanding the immediate release of Cauvery water, accusing Karnataka of withholding supplies and threatening drought in the delta region. The protest was halted by police near the state line, leading to the arrest of more than 100 demonstrators. Participants also voiced opposition to Karnataka’s planned Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery, calling for compensation and a halt to the project.

The tension at the inter‑state border prompted counter‑protests by Karnataka groups, and transport was disrupted as Tamil Nadu state‑run buses heading to Karnataka were temporarily stopped while Karnataka buses continued into Tamil Nadu.

Amid the unrest, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay convened a cabinet meeting to discuss the implementation of election promises, the upcoming state budget, and welfare schemes, with water‑related issues featuring prominently in the agenda.