Ambumani calls for legal action to halt Mekedatu dam construction

During a press briefing on July 1, PMK president Ambumani Ramdas urged the Tamil Nadu government to launch a comprehensive legal campaign aimed at preventing the Mekedatu dam from being built on the Kaveri River. The statement came as the leader kicked off the statewide Kaveri March, a rally that will travel from Bilgundlu in Dharmapuri district to the ancient port city of Poombuhar. Ambumani emphasized that the dam threatens the water security of Tamil Nadu, jeopardising irrigation, drinking water supplies and the livelihoods of millions who rely on the river. He asserted that Karnataka’s proposal will significantly reduce water flow, undermining agricultural productivity and causing severe water shortages across several districts. More than 50 million people in Tamil Nadu depend on the Kaveri for farming, industrial processes and domestic consumption. If the dam proceeds, the already limited water allocation could shrink further, exacerbating drought conditions. The leader dismissed Karnataka’s claim that the project primarily serves Bengaluru’s drinking water requirements, noting that the city could be catered for with a much smaller volume of water. He warned that the planned 70 TMC reservoir could be diverted for irrigation purposes, allowing Karnataka to retain a larger share of the upstream water and depriving downstream Tamil Nadu. Ambumani also highlighted environmental concerns, pointing out that the reservoir would submerge roughly 12,500 acres of dense forest habitat for elephants, tigers and other wildlife. He cited opposition from Karnataka’s own environmental groups, who have asked for a reassessment based on ecological impact. Accusing previous Karnataka administrations of breaching water‑sharing commitments, Ambumani appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to explore every legal avenue to block the dam. He also reiterated his opposition to the proposed new Kaveri Water Disputes Tribunal, insisting that the existing tribunal framework is sufficient for resolving any disputes.