Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary M. Veerapandian spearheaded a large rally on Tuesday in Hosur, Karnataka, against the controversial Mekedatu dam project. Joined by Thally MLA T. Ramachandran, he urged the Karnataka government to stop the dam’s construction immediately and honour existing court orders on inter‑state water allocation.

Background and Water Dispute

The Mekedatu scheme, proposed on the Kaveri River, aims to alleviate water scarcity through storage and hydro‑electric generation. However, the project has been entangled in a protracted water‑sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu. In 2018, the Supreme Court laid down detailed guidelines for water distribution between the two states, restricting Karnataka’s ability to build large‑scale storage structures without mutual consent.

CPI’s Rally Statements

Addressing the crowd, Veerapandian warned, “The Mekedatu project threatens the fraternity that has existed between the peoples of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka for decades. We must respect the court rulings and work together to mitigate drought in the delta region.” He highlighted that Tamil Nadu recognises Karnataka’s rights, and now Karnataka should reciprocate by acknowledging Tamil Nadu’s concerns.

Rally Dynamics and Police Response

The rally was briefly halted by police on Thally Road, but several hundred protesters continued their march despite a heavy police presence. The event underscores how water‑sharing issues have resurfaced on the national agenda, with political parties and farmer bodies demanding a collaborative solution.

Future Implications

If Karnataka proceeds with Mekedatu, it could be deemed a breach of judicial orders, inviting legal challenges and possible penalties. Conversely, addressing water scarcity will require joint water‑management strategies, conservation measures, and exploration of alternative energy sources by both states.