Will not allow Karnataka dam, thunders CM Jayalalithaa
Accusing Karnataka of trying to deny Tamil Nadu Cauvery water by building a reservoir at Mekedatu, chief minister J. Jayalalithaa said Friday her government would not allow the dam “under any circumstances” and ensure the state’s just right to Cauvery.
“Karnataka cannot construct a new dam without the consent of Tamil Nadu,” she said as members of the Assembly thumped desks.
Replying to a special call-attention motion by members of all parties but Congress, CM said her government would continue to exert pressure on the Centre to notify final award of Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal in the gazette.
Hitting out at Karnataka for not honouring the final award, she said the neighbour failed to release water for Kuruvai crop cultivation in June and July as ordered by the tribunal.
Karnataka used water in its four major reservoirs for summer irrigation, instead of preserving it for seasonal use, denying the Mettur dam its due share, Ms Jayalalithaa said.
Besides, she said, Karnataka had been using 203 TMCFT of water, as against the tribunal’s award of 103.240 TMCFT, for irrigation.
“As the monsoon begins, Karnataka fills up all its reservoirs before releasing surplus water to Tamil Nadu resulting in delayed supply to the Mettur dam.”
Earlier, members cutting across party lines pledged support to the government on Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery dispute with Karnataka.
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