Don't give nod for dam projects: Tamil Nadu to Centre

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu Assembly today adopted a resolution urging the Centre not to accord sanction for new dam projects planned by Karnataka and Kerala.

"The Union Water Resources Ministry should not accord technical sanction for new dam projects of Karnataka and Kerala and the Environment and Forest Ministry should not grant clearance for such projects without consulting Tamil Nadu," the resolution said.

The Assembly also urged the Centre to immediately set up Cauvery Management Board and Cauvery Water Regulatory Committee.

Necessary steps should be taken to halt proposed construction of two new dams in Mekadatu by Karnataka in violation of final award of Cauvery Tribunal, it said.

The Centre should also advice Karnataka to not to go ahead with any dam project like Mekadatu till the operationalisation of Cauvery Management Board and without the consent of Tamil Nadu.

Similarly, Kerala should be advised to not take up any work for a new dam across River Pambaru. Also it should not attempt to take up any project till the operationalisation of Cauvery Management Board and permission of Tamil Nadu.

The resolution moved by Chief Minister Panneerselvam was adopted unanimously by the House. DMK members were earlier in the day evicted by Speaker P Dhanapal for obstructing the proceedings of the House.