Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami has reiterated his demand for the release of seven tmcft of water from the Cauvery river by the Karnataka government immediately to save the standing samba crop in the delta districts.
Speaking to mediapersons at Omalur on Sunday, Mr. Palaniswami said the State was facing a severe water crisis, and that adequate water could not be supplied for the standing crop due to poor storage in the Mettur dam.
Tamil Nadu is yet to receive its due share of 80 tmcft of water from Karnataka for the current season, he said, adding that he had written to the neighbouring State’s Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah, drawing his attention to the poor storage in the Mettur dam and seeking 15 tmcft of water in total, including 7 tmcft immediately.
When asked whether the State government would provide compensation to farmers in delta districts who had suffered crop loss due to inadequate supply of water, Mr. Palaniswami said such a question did not arise at all. Despite poor inflow and storage level, the release of water from the Mettur dam to the Cauvery basin was being continued and water was being distributed in an equitable manner, he said.
‘Secular regime’
Responding to VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan’s statement underscoring the importance of Tamil Nadu remaining a secular State, Mr. Palaniswami said the AIADMK was providing a secular regime.
Earlier, Mr. Palaniswami held discussions with village panchayat-level party officials on the ways and means to strengthen the party’s base in rural pockets ahead of civic polls.
