Tamil Nadu protests Karnataka's Mekedatu dam plan, urges centre to reject DPR

PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss said on 22 May 2026 that the central government should not accept the detailed project report (DPR) prepared by Karnataka for the proposed Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery river. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to press New Delhi to revoke the 2018 permission that allowed the draft report without the basin state’s consent.

Ramadoss argued that the dam would affect irrigation in 14 districts and the drinking‑water supply for five crore people across 30 districts, including Chennai. He cited the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and Supreme Court rulings that Karnataka may not undertake construction without Tamil Nadu’s consent, calling Karnataka’s claim that Tamil Nadu has no right to oppose “a blatant lie.”