Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Tamil Nadu, Karnataka Chiefs May Discuss Cauvery Dispute
The leaders of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka may meet to talk about sharing Cauvery River water.
They may also discuss Karnataka’s proposed dam at Mekedatu.
Their meeting could happen on Thursday at a larger conference in Tamil Nadu.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah will lead that conference.
Leaders from several southern States and Union territories are expected to attend.
A previous meeting in Bengaluru was cancelled after protests in Karnataka.
Karnataka had said its reservoirs did not have enough water to release the required amount.
The Supreme Court and the Cauvery Water Management Authority had ordered Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water each day to Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka Chief Ministers may meet Thursday to discuss the Cauvery water dispute and the proposed Mekedatu dam.
The meeting could take place during the 31st Southern Zonal Council conference at Kovalam near Mamallapuram.
The conference will be chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and include leaders from southern States and Union territories.
An earlier meeting planned for August 3 in Bengaluru was postponed amid protests and political pressure in Karnataka.
The Supreme Court and Cauvery Water Management Authority had directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu.
- Who
- The Chief Ministers of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, C Joseph Vijay and D K Shivakumar, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and other southern regional leaders.
- What
- A possible meeting on the Cauvery water dispute, water sharing and the proposed Mekedatu dam, alongside the Southern Zonal Council conference.
- When
- Thursday; the conference is being convened for the first time since 2022.
- Where
- Fisherman’s Cove beach resort at Kovalam near Mamallapuram, Tamil Nadu.
- Why
- To seek an amicable solution to differences over Cauvery water releases and the proposed Mekedatu dam.
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Karnataka’s Position
Cauvery water release
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Tamil Nadu is covered by the direction requiring Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily, issued by the Cauvery Water Management Authority and upheld by the Supreme Court.
Karnataka’s Position
Karnataka refused to release the water at one stage, citing shortages in its reservoirs; Kannada groups and some political leaders also opposed compliance with the order.
Mekedatu dam
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have differences over Karnataka’s proposed construction of a dam at Mekedatu, which the Chief Ministers may discuss.
Karnataka’s Position
Karnataka is associated with the proposed Mekedatu dam, while the article does not specify its government’s detailed position in the prospective meeting.
- Conference
- 31st conference of the Southern Zonal Council
- Chairperson
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah
- Host
- Tamil Nadu Government
- Water direction
- The Cauvery Water Management Authority and Supreme Court directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs daily to Tamil Nadu.
- Earlier meeting
- A proposed August 3 meeting in Bengaluru was postponed.
- Participants
- Chief Ministers, ministers, chief secretaries and home secretaries from the southern States, along with representatives of the Union territories.
- Other agenda items
- Border disputes, water sharing and narcotics control, among other inter-State issues.