Vaiko announces protest against Mekedatu on June 2

Chennai: MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Saturday announced that he would protest condemning the Karnataka govt’s proposed Mekedatu dam project across the Cauvery river, in Chennai on June 2.Referring to Karnataka deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar’s recent remarks that the dam would definitely be constructed, Vaiko said the protest was aimed at opposing Karnataka’s “adamant stand” and pressing the Union govt to deny clearance for the project.Vaiko said the protest would be held near the Chennai district collectorate under his leadership along with several political parties, farmers’ associations and social organisations.Stating that Karnataka had allocated Rs 5,900 crore for the project and was preparing materials for construction, Vaiko alleged that the proposed dam, capable of storing 68 tmc water, would violate the orders of the Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority.He warned that the project would severely affect Tamil Nadu’s irrigation needs, reduce water inflow to the Mettur dam and leave delta districts dependent on Cauvery water facing distress. Vaiko also appealed to farmers, traders and public welfare organisations to extend support to the agitation.