Mekedatu Dam Row: Farmers call for bandh in TN Saturday March 28,2015

 

The Opposition-backed bandh called for by farmer unions to protest against the plans of the Karnataka government to build check dams across Cauvery river in Mekadatu.

Except the AIADMK, all parties have openly backed the bandh. However,State Assembly proceedings slated for Saturday has been postponed to Monday

The bandh has been called to press the Centre to rein in Karnataka from going ahead with its plan build a dam across the Cauvery River at Mekedatu and to urge it to set up the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulatory Authority. 

The bandh has been supported by retailers, traders and opposition-backed transport corporation unions. It began with flash protests by an outfit supporting the bandh in Chennai. 

Meanwhile, a delegation of all MPs from Tamil Nadu belonging to AIADMK, DMK, CPI(M) and BJP will call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi this evening and hand over a copy of the resolution adopted in the Assembly urging the Centre to rein in Karnataka from going ahead with its plan to build the dam across inter-state river Cauvery.

“This House urges the Centre to take immediate steps to stop preparation of a Detailed Project Report to build a new dam in Mekedatu by Karnataka,” the resolution moved by Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and adopted unanimously yesterday said.

Chief Minister O.Panneerselvam had also urged all Members of Parliament from the state to call on the Prime Minister and give him a copy of the resolution and convey the state’s stand and concerns over Karnataka’s move.

CPI(M) state secretary G Ramakrishnan confirmed that the MPs are meeting the Prime Minister this evening. “Our party MP T.K. Rangarajan will be part of the delegation,” he told