AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami has called on the Tamil Nadu government to legally challenge Kerala’s proposed check dam on the Silanthi river. He warned that the dam could disrupt the water flow into the Amaravathi dam, affecting farmers. Palaniswami criticized the DMK for halting AIADMK-initiated water projects and urged action against water obstructions by neighboring states. He also raised concerns about alleged voter list manipulations and the Election Commission’s efficiency, asserting AIADMK’s confidence in winning upcoming elections.In a press briefing, Palaniswami emphasized Tamil Nadu’s dependence on inter-state rivers and highlighted previous AIADMK efforts to build check dams on rivers like Kollidam and Cauvery. He accused the DMK of neglecting rainwater conservation and expressed suspicion over recent electoral irregularities, asserting AIADMK’s prospects in the forthcoming polls.
Meanwhile, Condemning the state government for remaining silent despite the Kerala government commencing construction of a new check dam across Silanthi, a tributary of Amaravathi river, PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss urged the state government to take legal action to safeguard its rights.
In a statement, Anbumani said that Amaravathi, Cauvery’s tributary, is the water source for irrigation and drinking for Tirupur and Karur districts. “Amaravathi irrigates 55,000 acres. Moreover, drinking water is being supplied from Amaravathi dam. Amaravathi river receives water from Pambar, Silanthi and Chinnar rivers. The issue is that Kerala is building a check dam across the Silanthi river,” he added.
He said that the Kerala government is claiming that the dam is for supplying drinking water to Idukki district. If the check dam is constructed, Amaravathi cannot receive water from Silanthi river. It is the responsibility of the state government to stop Kerala from constructing check dam, he said.