Tamil Nadu farmers have announced a statewide five-day campaign starting September 20 to oppose the Mekedatu dam project. The protest will begin in Poompuhar and may involve a meeting with the Prime Minister.

  • Farmers plan a five-day statewide protest beginning September 20 from Poompuhar.
  • Demanding cancellation of the Mekedatu dam and legal safeguards for MSP and other rights.
  • Potential meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss concerns.

After a five‑hour meeting in Gurugram with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, the Coordination Committee of All Farmers’ Associations of Tamil Nadu announced a five‑day state‑wide campaign against Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam, to start on September 20. The announcement was made by the committee’s president, P.R. Pandian.

Pandian highlighted that the farmers’ delegation raised several issues during the meeting, including the need for a legal guarantee for Minimum Support Price, implementation of the M.S. Swaminathan Committee’s recommendations, withdrawal of the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, ending the mandate for smart meters, and changes to the Land Acquisition Act.

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He accused Karnataka’s political leadership of pushing the Mekedatu project for political gain, despite local opposition, and called the Detailed Project Report “fraudulent” and legally invalid. He pointed out that the DPR lacked consent from Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and the Cauvery Water Management Authority.

As an alternative, Pandian proposed building a dam at Rasimanal in Tamil Nadu, a site agreed upon by farmers from both states in a 2024 joint meeting. He urged the Centre to allow construction there instead.

During the meeting, Minister Khattar assured that the matters would be discussed with relevant departments and brought to the Prime Minister’s attention. Pandian also condemned the recent detention of Punjab farmers at the Haryana border during a march to Delhi organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (Non‑Political).

He further highlighted the impact of the El Niño phenomenon on Tamil Nadu agriculture and urged the Centre to provide additional assistance under the disaster management fund, including funds to desilt water bodies and improve groundwater levels for the upcoming northeast monsoon.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this campaign could reignite the multi‑state Cauvery water dispute, intensifying national discussions on water resource management and farmer welfare policies.

“Farmer voices must be heard; this is not just about a dam but about the sustainability of an agrarian society.”
Did You Know?: The Mekedatu dam, proposed by the Karnataka government, is located on the Cauvery River and its construction could affect the livelihoods of around 200,000 families.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why is the Mekedatu dam controversial?
A1: The dam would alter the flow of the Cauvery River, negatively impacting farmers in both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and exacerbating water resource management issues.

Q2: What are the main demands of the farmers?
A2: Farmers demand legal safeguards for MSP, changes to the Land Acquisition Act, and approval for an alternative dam site at Rasimanal.