The river Cauvery, which originates in Karnataka, travels several hundred km in Tamil Nadu and flows into the Bay of Bengal. But Karnataka is acting as if they own the entire Cauvery water. As a result, Tamil Nadu does not get enough water.
On June 12 last year, water was released from the Mettur dam for Kuruvai irrigation in the hope that Karnataka would release the water. But, Karnataka has not released adequate amount of water to Tamil Nadu. Due to this, the water level of Mettur Dam has dropped to the lowest level in 30 years. Due to the stoppage of water from the dam, the cultivation of Kuruvai failed.
Mettur dam water level rose slightly due to northeast monsoon. As a result, water was opened for 10 days for the cultivation of Samba and Thaladi in February alone. At present water is being released from Mettur Dam only for drinking water needs. At the same time, Karnataka was adamant that it could not release water to Tamil Nadu until now.
In the context of Siddaramaiah-led Congress rule in Karnataka, a question was raised to Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Selvaperunthagai regarding the Cauvery water issue.
He said, “Even if there is Congress rule in Karnataka, we will never give up the rights of Tamil Nadu and the livelihood of Tamil Nadu. We will fight to get Cauvery water to delta farmers. If necessary, we are ready to protest on the Karnataka border near Hosur. “Karnataka should provide proper water to Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Earlier tomorrow Cauvery Management Committee meeting will be held under the chairmanship of its chairman Vineet Gupta. There will be a consultation and recommendation regarding the opening of water. After that, the meeting of the Cauvery Management Authority will be held on the 21st. It is expected that a decision will be taken regarding the opening of water to Tamil Nadu.
