The Central Water Commission’s decision to grant permission to Karnataka to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for the balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project across the Cauvery at Mekedatu was nothing but a conspiracy against Tamil Nadu by the BJP government at the Centre, DMK leader M.K. Stalin said here on Tuesday.
Leading a demonstration by the DMK and its allies against the CWC’s decision in Tiruchi, Mr. Stalin accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of betraying the interests of Tamil Nadu.
The CWC’s nod had come at a time when Tamil Nadu was reeling under the impact of Cyclone Gaja, which had affected the livelihoods of lakhs of people in 12 districts of the State. This had left Tamils seething with anger, he said. Before taking any important decision on the construction of the dam across the Cauvery, the Centre should have consulted with the State government. But it had acted unilaterally in granting permission to Karnataka, he added.
Gaja relief
Mr. Stalin also flayed Mr. Modi for failing to sanction the financial assistance sought by the State government to carry out relief and rehabilitation measures in the cyclone-affected areas. “The Prime Minister should have, at least in his capacity as the Chairperson of the National Disaster Management Authority, visited the affected areas to take stock of the situation. Till now, Mr. Modi has not visited the affected areas. What is the purpose of having the National Disaster Management Authority and the Planning Commission? It raises a basic question – why should we pay taxes to the Centre?” the DMK leader asked.
Holding the AIADMK government responsible for the present situation, Mr. Stalin said the State government could not even obtain a stay order from the court to restrain Karnataka from pursuing its plan to construct a dam at Mekedatu.
TNCC president Su. Thirunavukkarasar alleged that the Centre had acted in favour of Karnataka to achieve electoral gains. It would not have taken the decision had former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa been alive, he claimed.
‘Great injustice’
MDMK general secretary Vaiko said the Centre had done a great injustice to Tamil Nadu by acting in favour of Karnataka.
“If Karnataka was allowed to construct the dam, it would have an adverse impact on the federal structure of the country. A question would arise whether Tamil Nadu should remain part of the country,” he said.
