Bengaluru: Condemning the resolution of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, opposing the implementation of the Mekedatu project, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai informed the Legislative Assembly that government will move the resolution in the House on Wednesday affirming to construct  Mekedatu reservoir across the Cauvery river.

Replying to a short debate of the opposition members in the House on Tuesday, Chief Minister said that the government is committed to its decision to implement the project. After discussing with legal experts regarding the content of the resolution, the government will move the resolution in the House, he said.

The Mekedatu project will not harm the interest of Tamil Nadu, the proposed dam will be constructed near Mekeadu across the Cauvery river. The additional water is flown to Tamil Nadu, construction of a small reservoir will provide drinking water to Bengaluru city, Mr. Bommai said.

“Tamil Nadu has no respect over the federal structure of the Constitution, it has no locus standi to adopt such resolution. It has become a habit of Tamil Nadu to oppose Karnataka on the Cauvery issue. We are getting water of our share”, Mr. Bommai stated.  

“After the Assembly Session, I will go to Delhi, meet Union Minister of Jal Shakti, apprising him about factual position of the project”,  Bommai assured the House.

Earlier, the former Chief Minister advised Chief Minister Bommai to go to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister and Union Minister of Jal Shakti to get the clearance for the project. Yeddyurappa also suggested getting the environmental clearance for the project. Since Water Resources Minister Govind Karjol is unwell, I would suggest the Chief Minister go to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister in this regard, Mr. Yediyurappa advised.

Opposition leader Siddaramaiah condemned the resolution of the Tamil Nadu Assembly, suggested the Chief Minister to convene a meeting of floor leaders and urged the government to move the resolution in the House condemning the resolution of Tamil Nadu government.

Siddaramaiah suggested the Chief Minister take an all-party delegation to Delhi to meet the Prime Minister to request clearance of the Mekedatu project. It is the duty of the Centre to respect the federal system. The Centre has not given environmental clearance for the project. Centre must see all states equally, Mr. Siddaramaiah advised.

JD (S) floor leader H.D.Kumaraswamy urged the government to implement the project as early as possible and he condemned the resolution of the Tamil Nadu Assembly.

Mr. Kumaraswamy agreed on the suggestion of former Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa who advised Bommai to go to Delhi forget clearance for the project.