Particle.news
Download on the App Store
22 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Supreme Court Calls Tamil Nadu’s Mekedatu Challenge Premature, Leaves Review to Expert Panels

The court directed that statutory water authorities evaluate the DPR before any judicial review.

The Supreme Court held that the Tamil Nadu government was free to pursue appropriate legal remedies in the event of the Central Water Commission (CWC) approved the project’s DPR, with the Cauvery Water Management Authority’s (CWMA) consideration. (PTI)
Image
Image
The court said a draft pre-feasibility report for the project was under consideration. (ANI)

Overview

  • Rejecting Tamil Nadu’s application, a bench led by Chief Justice B.R. Gavai held that objections to Karnataka’s Mekedatu proposal must first be examined by the CWMA and CWRC, with the CWC considering the DPR only after their approvals.
  • The court reiterated its August 2023 stance of deferring to technical expertise, noting it does not adjudicate questions best addressed by water management authorities.
  • It warned that Karnataka remains bound to release Cauvery water as per prior directions and that any failure could invite contempt of court.
  • Karnataka argued the project would not affect Tamil Nadu’s allocation and welcomed the order, while Tamil Nadu’s water resources minister denied that the project had judicial approval and said the state will contest it before the CWMA and CWC.
  • The proposed balancing reservoir is described as roughly 67 TMC with 400 MW generation at an estimated cost of about ₹9,000 crore, and Tamil Nadu may pursue legal remedies if the DPR eventually secures statutory clearance.