Tamil Nadu has implemented the Centre’s guidelines for projects in the Cauvery basin

Opposition to the directives is crucial because Tamil Nadu maintains that the Cauvery basin is in deficit.

Tamil Nadu is following the latest guidelines of the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Central Water Commission with respect to the assessment of water resources projects in the Cauvery Basin.

On Monday, Water Resources Minister N. Anand told the assembly that the Union government had made the guidelines “unilaterally” in December last year.

The Centre’s norms assume relevance in light of the ongoing controversy over Karnataka’s proposed Mekedatu Reservoir drinking water equalization project.

The opposition to the guidelines is crucial because Tamil Nadu is of the view that the Cauvery basin is deficit, the position of which was expressed in the final judgment of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) and the Supreme Court in a judgment in February 2018. In such circumstances, where the question arises for proposing projects, irrespective of purpose and size, asks a water expert. The official says the state government conveyed its objections to the Centre, but it resisted the directions.

In addition, there is a provision in the guidelines for presumptive compliance with the Central Water Commission (CWC) opinion on the project if the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) does not respond within six months or if the CWMA returns the project proposal without offering its views on the compliance or otherwise of the proposed water use with the CWDT award. . In the event of a conflict between the views of the CWMA and the CWC, the position of the CWMA shall prevail. The state is concerned about the provision as it could be used against its interests.

According to the guidelines, detailed project reports for medium and large irrigation projects, multi-purpose projects, drinking water projects and industrial uses will have to be submitted to the CWC. After examining the reports from various angles, including inter-state issues, the CWC sends them to the CWMA for its comments.

Meanwhile, CWMA held its meeting to review the current situation of implementation and water flow.

Published – 23 Jun 2026 22:20 IST