CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu legislative assembly on Monday saw an intense debate over inter-state water disputes with AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami suggesting that DMK govt should leverage camaraderie among southern CMs to resolve long standing water disputes. Water resources minister Duraimurugan countered that Karnataka cannot build Mekedatu dam without Tamil Nadu’s consent.
During the debate, deputy leader of opposition R B Udhayakumar compared DMK’s poll promises on water resources and their fulfilment to a mountain and a mole. When speaker M Appavu interrupted Udhayakumar’s remarks about the presence of southern CMs in Chennai amid ongoing legal battles with neighbouring states, Palaniswami said, “The chief ministers are close. It can be used to bring an end to the cases and get the entitled share of water for the state.”
Duraimurugan argued that inter-state talks could undermine efforts to secure TN’s water share and emphasised the Supreme Court’s role in delivering justice to the state. He said the Cauvery water disputes tribunal was formed after former CM M Karunanidhi refused to hold talks.
“It is not that easy,” Duraimurugan concluded, emphasising the complexity of the approval process for Mekedatu dam, involving various authorities.
“We must remember that there are a large number of Tamils living in those states,” he added, commending the legislators’ caution in discussing inter-state water disputes. The minister said TN has 22 pending cases in SC involving neighbouring states.
On the Cauvery-Vaigai-Gundar link project, Duraimurugan criticised the AIADMK’s handling of the project, saying tenders were issued to support ministers without land acquisition, leading to its current difficulties.