Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday, 18 June declared his readiness to hold talks with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on the long-pending Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir and Drinking Water Project, urging both states to set aside political considerations and prioritise the welfare of their people. The remarks came after Shivakumar cast his vote in the Legislative Council elections in Bengaluru.

What Shivakumar Said

'I am ready to talk to Tamil Nadu at any point regarding the Mekedatu project. I have no reservations in this regard. Whether it is Tamil Nadu or Karnataka, we are one nation and one people. We all depend on the waters of the same river. Water is needed for irrigation, drinking purposes and industrial use,' CM Shivakumar told reporters.

He underscored the deep economic and social ties between the two states. 'Many people from Tamil Nadu work in Karnataka, and many from Karnataka live and work there. We cannot view this issue through a narrow lens,' he added.

How the Project Benefits Both States

Shivakumar argued that the proposed balancing reservoir would actually serve Tamil Nadu's interests as much as Karnataka's. The project, he said, would enable Karnataka to guarantee Tamil Nadu its court-mandated allocation of 177 TMC of Cauvery water even during periods of distress, while also meeting the fast-growing drinking water needs of Bengaluru.

'The advantage of constructing a balancing reservoir is that it will help us guarantee Tamil Nadu's share of 177 TMC of water even during times of crisis. Water for districts such as Mandya, Hassan, Chamarajanagar and Tumakuru could be released when required,' he said. He also noted the project would generate approximately 400 MW of electricity alongside its primary drinking water function.

Shivakumar was categorical that the reservoir would not divert water for irrigation beyond permitted limits. 'Not a single TMC of water or even a bucket of water can be diverted for irrigation beyond what is permitted. The project is primarily intended for drinking water purposes,' he said, pointing to Bengaluru's rapidly growing population and its dependence on the Cauvery as the only viable source.

The Legal and Political Context

The Mekedatu project has been mired in inter-state dispute for decades, with Tamil Nadu opposing it on grounds that the reservoir could impede water flows downstream. However, Shivakumar noted that a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court had already heard Tamil Nadu's arguments, rejected review petitions, and referred the matter to the Central Water Commission for further technical evaluation.

'After a judgment by a three-judge Bench of the Supreme Court, what more remains to be discussed? Have we not already agreed to release 177 TMC of water to Tamil Nadu?' he asked, accusing some political parties in Tamil Nadu of prolonging the controversy for electoral reasons.

He also pointed out that last year alone, more than 400 TMC of water flowed into the sea — underscoring, in his view, that Karnataka was not seeking to withhold Tamil Nadu's share. Karnataka, he noted, had raised no objection to dams constructed by Tamil Nadu within its own territory, and expected the same reciprocity.

Congress Alliance as a Bridge

Shivakumar highlighted that the Indian National Congress (Congress) is part of the ruling alliance in Tamil Nadu, positioning the party as a potential diplomatic bridge. 'The Congress is an ally in the Tamil Nadu government and we will certainly hold discussions. This project will benefit both states. We must move forward patiently, keeping the interests of the people of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu in mind,' he said.

MPs from the Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and Janata Dal (Secular) (JD(S)) would continue to advocate for Karnataka's position on the issue, he added.

What Comes Next

With the Supreme Court process ongoing and the Central Water Commission conducting technical review, the immediate next step is whether Tamil Nadu responds to Shivakumar's overture for direct bilateral talks. The Congress's shared presence in both state governments could facilitate back-channel dialogue, though Tamil Nadu has historically been cautious about the project ahead of state elections. Karnataka maintains it requires no financial contribution from Tamil Nadu and will implement the project entirely within its own territory.