Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously opposes Mekedatu dam project on Krishna river

The Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution opposing Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam project on the Krishna river, calling upon the Union government to deny environmental and forest clearances. This unanimous cross-party stance reflects Tamil Nadu's historical concerns over water-sharing agreements and downstream state interests. Background: Krishna river water-sharing remains contentious inter-state issue involving Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka under Krishna Waters Disputes Tribunal (KWDT) award (1976). Mekedatu dam project proposed by Karnataka's KNNL (Karnataka Neeravari Nigam Limited) aims hydroelectric power generation and drinking water supply. Tamil Nadu argues: (1) dam will reduce downstream water availability violating KWDT proportional allocation, (2) upstream unilateral construction violates Interstate Water Disputes Act provisions, (3) environmental clearances should consider downstream states' interests. Previous disputes: Cauvery river issue underwent Supreme Court adjudication; similar Krishna conflicts require inter-state dialogue. Constitutional framework: Article 262 vests Parliament with jurisdiction over inter-state water disputes; Articles 47-51 require cooperative federalism in resource management. Key considerations: KWDT 1976 award specifies water allocation percentages; new dam projects affect river flow dynamics and downstream agriculture/drinking water. Exam angle: Questions on: inter-state water disputes, federal water governance, environmental jurisprudence, Supreme Court's role in dispute resolution, upstream-downstream state tensions. Connection: Previous UPSC emphasis on river water sharing, federal cooperation, and environmental externalities.