Chennai, May 24 : Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) coordinator Seeman has vehemently condemned Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar for his recent comments that Tamil Nadu lacks the authority to contest the proposed Mekedatu Dam project on the Cauvery River. Seeman characterised these remarks as "the height of arrogance" and an effort to undermine Tamil Nadu's historical and legal rights over the river.

In a statement on Sunday, Seeman alleged that Karnatakaâ??s continued push for the Mekedatu dam reflected a larger attempt to gain complete control over the Cauvery River waters at the expense of Tamil Nadu.

He argued that such efforts run contrary to established principles governing inter-state river water sharing and accused Karnataka of attempting to deny downstream regions their legitimate share of water resources.

Highlighting the historical significance of the Cauvery to Tamil Nadu, Seeman said the river shared a bond with Tamil society that predates the formation of both the Kannada language and the Karnataka state.

He maintained that the river has been an integral part of Tamil civilisation and culture for centuries and therefore cannot be treated as the exclusive property of a single state.

Questioning Karnatakaâ??s position, Seeman asked whether the Cauvery River belonged solely to Karnataka and stressed that existing river water-sharing principles recognise the rights of downstream states.

According to him, downstream regions have a strong stake in the equitable distribution of river waters, making Tamil Naduâ??s concerns over projects such as the Mekedatu dam valid and legitimate.

He said D.K. Shivakumarâ??s comments reflected an attitude of dominance and disregard for the concerns of Tamil Nadu and strongly condemned the statement.

Seeman further appealed to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to officially condemn the Karnataka Deputy Chief Ministerâ??s remarks and take a firm stand against Karnatakaâ??s efforts to construct the Mekedatu dam.

The Mekedatu project has remained a contentious issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu for several years, with Tamil Nadu consistently expressing concerns that the proposed reservoir could affect the flow of Cauvery water to the state and impact irrigation and drinking water requirements.

/IANS