TN to file appeal in SC against NGT's order on Mekedatu dam

IANS File Photo

IANS File Photo

Chennai, August 23 (IANS): Tamil Nadu will file an appeal in the Supreme Court against the order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) as it disposed a case relating to Mekedatu dam proposed by the Karnataka government across Cauvery river, said the Minister for Water Resources Duraimurugan.

Moving the demand for grants for his department in the assembly on Monday, Duraimurugan said, the NGT, Principal Bench, New Delhi has disposed the matter without giving an opportunity to Tamil Nadu to file reply.

He said, the Tamil Nadu government has decided to appeal in the Supreme Court against the NGT's order dated May 17, 2021. A civil appeal would be filed soon.

Duraimurugan said the NGT Southern Zone, based on the media reports about Karnataka starting the Mekedatu dam construction work suo motu took up the issue and ordered to constitute a four member Committee.

The Committee would look whether Karnataka started construction without getting the necessary clearance and to assess the damages, if any, that would be caused to the environment, and submit its Report.

However, based on the review application filed by Karnataka, National NGT, New Delhi disposed the matter, citing that the matter is before the Supreme Court.

Duraimurugan said, the Tamil Nadu government is continuously conveying its strong objections to Karnataka and the Union Government on the proposed new reservoir at Mekedatu across the River Cauvery.