NationalSaturday, 20 June 2026·The Hindu - Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu seeks Mekedatu tribunal under Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956
Tamil Nadu asked the Union government to set up a tribunal on the Mekedatu project, citing the Cauvery tribunal award and the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
Key highlights
Direct fact
In March 2026, Tamil Nadu sent a communication to the Union government seeking a tribunal on the Mekedatu project, arguing that the proposal is beyond the 2007 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal final award and the Supreme Court judgment of 2018.
Key specifics
- Tamil Nadu said Mekedatu was not among the 28 projects listed by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal.
- The 28 projects were linked to irrigation of about 18.85 lakh acres in Karnataka.
- Tamil Nadu cited Section 2(c) and Section 3 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
- The State also requested a tribunal under Section 4 of the Act, 1956.
- The communication said the Centre should act within one year if negotiations fail, as per the legal position cited.
Exam lens
TNPSC Polity and inter-State water disputes question: Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, 2007 award, Supreme Court 2018, Sections 2(c), 3 and 4 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, and the Mekedatu project dispute.