Expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam on Monday called on the Tamil Nadu government to take decisive measures to secure the stipulated quantity of Cauvery water from Karnataka. He urged Chief Minister M K Stalin to engage in talks with his Karnataka counterpart and Congress leader Siddaramaiah to ensure the release of water for Kuruvai crops as per the Supreme Court’s direction.
According to the Supreme Court order, Karnataka is required to release 177.25 thousand million cubic feet (tmc) of water to Tamil Nadu annually, starting from June and ending in May. For the month of June, Karnataka is supposed to release 9.19 tmc. However, Panneerselvam pointed out that Karnataka is not adhering to this mandate and is failing to release water from Biligundlu.
The critically low water levels in the Mettur Reservoir have prevented the release of water for irrigation in the delta districts. Traditionally, water is released from Mettur for Kuruvai crops on June 12. This delay has adversely affected Kuruvai cultivation in the delta region.
Despite more than normal rainfall in the Cauvery river’s catchment area, the situation remains dire. The Indian Meteorological Department has predicted normal rainfall for the region during the southeast monsoon, which extends from June to September. However, the delay in releasing water is impacting agricultural activities.
Panneerselvam emphasized that the Karnataka government should comply with the Supreme Court’s order and release Cauvery water according to the schedule. “The release of water as per the SC order would significantly aid Kuruvai cultivation in the delta region of Tamil Nadu,” he stated.
He also appealed to Chief Minister Stalin to leverage his influence within the Congress party to ensure Tamil Nadu receives its rightful share of Cauvery water. “The CM should use his influence among the Congress high command and Congress state unit leaders to secure Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water