Karnataka Chief Minister flags Mekedatu project

Karnataka Chief Minister flags Mekedatu project Updated – August 20, 2026 08: 09 pm IST – Bengaluru.

Key points

• Shivakumar at the 31st Southern Zonal Council session, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in Chennai on Thursday.
• Senior leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu informed me that we need to solve the Cauvery water problem between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• Referring to the June 25 session involving Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, he stated the three States had demonstrated that inter-State water problems could be addressed through dialogue.
• He asserted that cooperation must be reciprocated and that Karnataka's lawful share under tribunal awards and the timely completion of projects benefiting its farmers must be protected.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar at the 31st Southern Zonal Council session, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in Chennai on Thursday. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar brought up the matter of the Mekedatu project at the Southern Zonal Council, arguing that the project is notable not only for Karnataka but for Tamil Nadu as well.

"Senior leader and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu informed me that we need to solve the Cauvery water problem between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Let me assure you, every drop of water from the Mekedatu project will support farmers in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Support us assist you, " he appealed, according to a communique from the Chief Minister's Office.

In his address on water problems, Mr. Shivakumar remarked rivers such as the Cauvery, Krishna, Tungabhadra, Pennar and Palar were the lifelines of the southern peninsula and called on a shift from "water sharing to water cooperation".

Referring to the June 25 session involving Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, he stated the three States had demonstrated that inter-State water problems could be addressed through dialogue. "We accept that every riparian State has legitimate needs. Our stand rests on three principles: equity, transparency, and cooperation, " he remarked.

Meanwhile, he asserted that cooperation must be reciprocated and that Karnataka's lawful share under tribunal awards and the timely completion of projects benefiting its farmers must be protected. Mr. Shivakumar remarked he would place Karnataka's position on the Krishna, upper Bhadra, and the interlinking of rivers before the council.

In short, karnataka Chief Minister flags Mekedatu project is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.