The farming community and members of the Cauvery Rights Retrieval Committee hit the streets in the delta districts on Monday demanding the Central government to constitute the Cauvery water Management Board without any delay.
Condemning the central government for its “refusal” in constituting the Board, the protestors urged the State Government to convene an all-party meeting in this regard and exert pressure on the central government.
The farming community’s demand for the constitution of the Cauvery Management Board had the support of the trading community in Thanjavur district.
Several shops and business establishments remained closed for the day in the district.
Protestors were arrested in Tiruchi, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam after they picketed the Central government offices at these places.
Police sources said over 450 farmers were arrested in Thanjavur after they picketed the Central Excise office and it was led by the retrieval committee convener P. Maniarasan.
In Tiruvarur, over 150 farmers were arrested after they picketed the Head Post Office in that town.
In Nagapattinam, over 300 farmers bearing allegiance to Cauvery Urimai Meetpu Kuzhu courted arrest blockading the Central Post Office in the town.
They said it was betrayal on part of the BJP-led NDA Government that assumed power with one of its promises being honouring of the Supreme Court direction on Cauvery issue.
Speaking to The Hindu , Kaveri Danapalan, General Secretary of Cauvery Delta farmers Protection Association said, Kuruvai had become nonexistent in the last three years in the region, leading to a production loss of Rs. 5,000 crores. “The last three Kuruvai seasons has seen a shortage of 35 lakh tonnes to 50 lakh tonnes, and farm wage labourers have lost our income loss to the tune of Rs.1,000 crores annually, in terms of labour days and corresponding revenue.”
Protesters said Karnataka’ stand had also led to distress outmigration of farm labourers.
The protests included participation of farmers from across districts. Jayaraman, Coordinator, Methane Edhiruppu kuzhu, Pakkirisamy, Deputy Secretary, Cauvery Delta Farmers Protection Association, Thiruvannamalai were among the participants.
In Tiruchi city, the farmers led by the Tamizhaga Vivasayigal Sangam Tiruchi district president M.P. Chinnadurai took out a march and resorted to a picketing agitation in front of the Central Excise office.
Speaking to media here, Mr. Chinnasamy said even after the Cauvery River Water Disputes Tribunal approved the formation of the Board in 2007, the UPA regime delayed its formation. The present BJP government was also following the same line, he alleged.
He said the State government should convene an all-party and all-farmers associations meeting in this regard and exert pressure on the Centre and ensure that Tamil Nadu got its due share of Cauvery water.
