Chennai: “…violating the Supreme Court order, but shows that the authority is toothless and stands with crutches,” charged M K Stalin over Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) linking water release to availability in Cauvery basin falling in Karnataka.
The DMK president urged the Centre to direct Karnataka to release 40.43 thousand million cubic feet water to Tamilnadu.
In its first directive, the Cauvery authority led by S Masood Husain had ordered Karnataka to release 9.19 tmc feet water to Tamilnadu but that was slighted by the neighbouring State, he alleged. Stalin further charged the ruling AIADMK government could not question Karnataka’s move, because of which TN farmers faced the brunt.
The DMK chief further claimed that CWMA’s second directive, i.e., to release 31.24 tmc feet water for July, has not been complied with by Karnataka.
It is to be noted that on 25 June, CWMA had asked Karnataka to release 40.43 tmc ft water to Tamilnadu, but the decision is subject to review as rainfall received in Cauvery basin and water storage in the four reservoirs in Karnataka have to be considered.
Reacting to CWMA’s order, Stalin urged the Centre to direct Karnataka to release 40.43 tmc feet water to Tamilnadu for June and July and also appoint a permanent head for the authority. Central Water Commission head S Masood Husain holds additional charge as the chairman of the Cauvery authority.
Last year, TN government led by AIADMK moved the Supreme Court against Husain alleging conflict of interest and pleaded for an independent person to lead the Authority.