Chennai , 30 August (H.S.):PMK leader Dr Anbumani Ramadoss urged the Tamil Nadu government to launch a strong offensive against Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam, warning that any delay could weaken the State's rights over Cauvery water.

Anbumani's intervention followed Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar's announcement that his government would accelerate the project and seek the Union government's clearance for construction.

The PMK leader said Shivakumar's latest remarks had reinforced Tamil Nadu's fears that the reservoir could be used for agricultural purposes and restrict the flow of Cauvery water to the lower riparian State.

Shivakumar made the announcement during the 111th birth anniversary celebrations of Sri Rajendra Swami of Suttur Mutt in Mysuru. He said the dam would benefit Karnataka's farmers in the same manner as the Krishnaraja Sagar reservoir.

Citing a Supreme Court ruling favourable to Karnataka, Shivakumar said the State would approach the Centre for permission to proceed with the project.

Anbumani said the statement marked a significant departure from Karnataka's earlier claim that Mekedatu was intended exclusively to meet drinking water requirements. The reference to benefits for farmers, he argued, indicated a possible plan to use stored water for irrigation.

Such use would contradict the stated objectives of the detailed project report and provide sufficient grounds for the Centre to reject the proposal, he said.

Anbumani also flagged discrepancies concerning the reservoir's proposed submergence area. While the project report reportedly placed it at 5,000 hectares, Shivakumar had cited 5,400 hectares. The larger area, he claimed, could allow Karnataka to store more than the proposed 67 TMC.

He cautioned that an expanded reservoir would intensify environmental damage, including the loss of forests and wildlife habitats.

Tamil Nadu must immediately present Karnataka's altered position before the Centre and Supreme Court and use every constitutional avenue to prevent construction, Anbumani said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman