Tamil Nadu CM Vijay seeks bilateral talks with Karnataka chief minister over Cauvery water shortfall, Mekedatu dam

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay requested a meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to address Cauvery water shortfall and oppose the Mekedatu dam.

Between June 1 and July 22, Tamil Nadu received only 3.5 tmcft of water against the mandated 31 tmcft under the Supreme Court order.

Karnataka initially proposed August 3 for the meeting but later cited a potential Delhi trip for cabinet expansion, delaying confirmation.

Tamil Nadu argues Karnataka failed to release water on a pro-rata basis after accounting for rainfall deficit; the Mettur reservoir had 37 tmcft against a 93 tmcft capacity.

The state plans to approach the Supreme Court if bilateral talks fail; a similar 2012 meeting between J Jayalalithaa and Jagadish Shettar was unsuccessful.