Chennai: Tamil Nadu govt on Thursday said it was taking necessary legal steps to stop Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam project and ensure Tamil Nadu receives its due share of Cauvery water on time.In his maiden address to the assembly, Governor R V Arlekar said the state continued to struggle every year to secure Cauvery water despite its rights being upheld by the Supreme Court. He said Karnataka was releasing only surplus water instead of Tamil Nadu’s rightful share. “Karnataka govt is attempting to implement the Mekedatu project. If this is implemented, agricultural production as well as farmers livelihood will be severely affected,” he said, reading out the prepared text of the state govt.Arlekar said the govt would also take firm steps to prevent Keralam from constructing a new Mullaperiyar dam and would pursue concerted action to carry out repair works in the dam area and raise the water level. Tamil Nadu govt has accused Keralam of refusing permission to carry out strengthening work on the dam while pressing its demand for a new dam.
