DMK MP Tiruchi Siva seeks Rajya Sabha discussion on Mekedatu reservoir issue
New Delhi, August 11
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Tiruchi Siva on Tuesday submitted a Rule 267 notice in the Rajya Sabha seeking suspension of business to discuss Karnataka's alleged non-implementation of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and its proposed construction of a reservoir at Mekedatu across the Cauvery river.
In his notice, Tiruchi Siva stated that the discussion was needed on the issue of "non-implementation of the CWDT award by the Karnataka government and the further attempt to construct a reservoir at Mekedatu across the Cauvery river, which has resulted in drastically affecting the livelihood of the Tamil Nadu farmers and the need to constitute a tribunal with regard to resolve the Mekedatu issue."
The DMK MP sought suspension of Rules 15, 23, 51 and other listed business under Rule 267 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha to take up the matter of urgent public importance.
The Cauvery water dispute is a long-running inter-state river water-sharing conflict with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu being the principal parties. The dispute revolves around how the waters of the Cauvery River should be shared, particularly during years of low rainfall.
The issue resurfaced amid developments concerning the Mekedatu balancing reservoir project, proposed by Karnataka. It has been a major point of friction between the two states, with Tamil Nadu traditionally opposing it on the grounds that it would affect the flow of water downstream.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to move the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 and the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for consideration and passing in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
According to the Revised List of Business, Shah will move that the Bill seeking to alter the name of the State of Kerala be taken into consideration and will also move a motion for its passage in the House.
The Union Home Minister will also move the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which seeks to further amend the National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962. The Bill will be taken up for consideration and passing, with amendments, if any, to be moved from separate lists.
The House will begin proceedings with Question Hour at 11 am, followed by the laying of papers on the Table by several Union Ministers.
The four key Bills, including the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, and the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, were introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday amid uproar.
The Secretary General of Lok Sabha will also report two messages received from the Rajya Sabha regarding the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 and the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone from Bengaluru, I understand both sides. Karnataka also has water issues — growing city needs water. But the CWDT award is clear, and unilateral construction of a reservoir is not fair. Both states need to sit and negotiate instead of just grandstanding in Parliament.
This is a classic south India issue that keeps getting ignored by the central government. Amit Shah is busy with Kerala name change bill but cauvery dispute is the real matter affecting lakhs of farmers. Hope Rajya Sabha debates this seriously 🙏
Interesting to see how India handles inter-state water disputes. In the US, we have interstate compacts for river sharing. Maybe India needs a more permanent mechanism instead of ad-hoc tribunals and political drama every time.
The real issue is that Karnataka keeps going back on its promises. Supreme Court gave judgment, CWDT gave award, but still Mekedatu project is being pushed. Strict action needed against states that don't follow tribunal awards. Farmers in Thanjavur and Tiruchirappalli are crying for water. 😢
Both states need to think about future — climate change is making water scarcer every year. Fighting over the same river won't solve anything. We need better water management, rainwater harvesting, and modern irrigation techniques rather than just political point-scoring.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.