GK Vasan, president of the Tamil Maanila Congress (M), has called on the Karnataka government to expedite the release of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu as the state grapples with mounting water scarcity concerns. Addressing the media on Sunday, Vasan emphasized the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action by the Tamil Nadu government.
“Tamil Nadu government has to take immediate action to get our water quickly. Karnataka government should stop the construction of Mekedatu dam completely,” Vasan stated, highlighting the contentious issue of the Mekedatu dam project, which has been a point of dispute between the two states.
Vasan also drew attention to the agricultural distress caused by heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu. He noted that significant damage has been inflicted on crops, including pulses and rice, particularly in the Thanjavur region. Vasan urged the state government to provide substantial relief to the affected farmers, stressing the importance of timely and adequate support to mitigate the impact of the adverse weather on their livelihoods.
In a political context, Vasan expressed confidence in the prospects of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He asserted that the NDA would secure more seats and re-establish the BJP government at the national level.
The call for the release of Cauvery water comes at a critical time, as Tamil Nadu faces severe water scarcity that threatens both domestic consumption and agricultural activities. The issue of the Mekedatu dam, which Karnataka intends to build across the Cauvery river, remains a significant point of contention, with Tamil Nadu opposing the project on the grounds that it would adversely affect the state’s water share.