Tamil Nadu govt moves NGT against Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu govt has approached the principal bench of National Green Tribunal to seek directions to restrain Karnataka govt from proceeding with any activity at the proposed Mekedatu dam site, including the planned “bhoomi puja”.In its application, Tamil Nadu has sought a declaration that Karnataka’s move to take up the Mekedatu project on the inter-state Cauvery river without prior environmental clearance, as required under the EIA Notification, 2006, is unilateral, unauthorised and illegal. The state has contended that the project, if pursued without mandatory clearances, would cause serious prejudice to Tamil Nadu and affect the rights of inhabitants guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.“Tamil Nadu govt has moved NGT with a prayer to declare the unilateral, indiscriminate and unauthorised action of taking up Mekedatu project as illegal, arbitrary and unjust and liable to be set aside,” said an official source. The state has requested the tribunal to restrain Karnataka and other respondents from taking any steps at the site, including conducting bhoomi puja, until clearances are obtained under the relevant provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and notifications issued under it.The move comes against the backdrop of Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar’s statement that the state would soon submit a detailed project report to Union govt and conduct a bhoomi puja after receiving Centre’s approval. The announcement triggered protests by Cauvery delta farmers, who contend the proposed dam would intercept uncontrolled flows from intermediate catchment areas downstream of the Krishnarajasagar dam and Biligundulu at the inter-state border.Earlier this week, Supreme Court rejected Tamil Nadu’s petition seeking review of its earlier order in Nov on a miscellaneous application related to Mekedatu dam. The court said the petition was premature, noting that the Central Water Commission would take a final decision only after considering the detailed project report and the views of the Cauvery water management authority and the Cauvery water regulation committee.