Tamil Nadu Farmers Begin Five-Day Protest Against Karnataka's Mekedatu Dam

Tamil Nadu’s farming community has launched a five‑day campaign aimed at halting the construction of Karnataka’s Mekedatu dam. The protest, scheduled to run for the next five days, will see farmers mobilising across key locations in the state to draw attention to the water‑sharing dispute.
The core grievance centres on fears that the dam will divert a substantial share of the Cauvery River’s flow, reducing the volume of water that reaches Tamil Nadu’s agricultural heartland. Farmers argue that the project threatens irrigation schedules and could exacerbate existing water scarcity in the region.
Organisers have outlined a series of peaceful actions, including rallies, road blockades and symbolic planting of saplings at strategic points. They intend to present a petition to both the Karnataka and central governments, demanding a reassessment of the dam’s design and a guaranteed water allocation for Tamil Nadu.
While Karnataka officials have not yet issued an official response, the protest underscores the growing tension between the two states over inter‑state river management. Stakeholders say the outcome could set a precedent for future water‑resource negotiations in South India.