'DMK will not allow construction of dam across Kosasthalai river'

CHENNAI: Water Resources Minister S Duraimurugan on Monday participated in the free bicycle distribution ceremony held at a Government Higher Secondary School in the Vellore district and said that Tamil Nadu will not allow construction of a dam across Kosasthalai river.

The Minister distributed bicycles to 1,968 students of class 10 students.

While speaking to reporters, he stated, "The Tamil Nadu government will take necessary steps to prevent the Andhra Pradesh government from building a dam across the Kosasthalai river. Mettur surplus water scheme is being implemented in Dharmapuri district. If there is an opportunity, it will be expanded to other districts, he said. There is no possibility of building new dams in Tamil Nadu. Is there space for that? Flood? No."

Earlier, he said that the construction of a dam at Mekedatu would lead to stoppage of Cauvery water flow to Tamil Nadu.

The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) has clearly stated that the upper riparian state cannot claim sole right over the water of an interstate river. Constructing a dam at Mekedatu is a gross violation of the verdicts of the CWDT as well as the Supreme Court, Duraimurugan had said.