Tamil Nadu farmers to start 5-day protest against Mekedatu dam
India
Tamil Nadu farmers are launching a five-day protest from September 20 against Karnataka's proposed Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery River.
Led by PR Pandian, they're starting their campaign in Poompuhar and say they might even take their concerns to the prime minister if needed.
Farmers urge Rasimanal dam instead
Farmers say Karnataka's plan for the dam is "fraudulent" since it hasn't been cleared by Tamil Nadu or key authorities.
They're urging the central government to block approvals and instead suggest building a dam at Rasimanal in Tamil Nadu, a solution both states' farmers agreed on in 2024.
They're also pushing for a legal guarantee on Minimum Support Price and better disaster relief, with some hope after recent talks with Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar.