Chennai: The Tamil Nadu Farmers’ Association, affiliated with the CPI, expressed disapproval on Tuesday regarding Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s defense of the proposed Mekedatu dam on the Cauvery River. They accused him of making misleading statements and inciting animosity towards Tamil Nadu. B.S. Masilamani, the association’s general secretary, stated that the Chief Minister’s comments in the Karnataka Assembly — questioning Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the dam while it benefits from its water share per the Supreme Court ruling — were factually incorrect. He argued that such remarks are intended to stir emotions against Tamil Nadu while hiding Karnataka’s consistent history of ignoring court rulings.
Masilamani pointed out that successive Karnataka administrations have failed to release Cauvery water according to the Supreme Court’s monthly schedule, with water being released only when Karnataka’s reservoirs are full, often during Tamil Nadu’s monsoon season. This practice has caused not assured irrigation but flooding in Tamil Nadu’s delta areas. He noted that from June to August this year, Karnataka discharged 182 tmcft of water in just 81 days, significantly exceeding the designated quota. While this surplus was presented as compliance, it was actually due to Karnataka’s convenience, disregarding the court-mandated monthly distribution. “How can Karnataka expect Tamil Nadu to trust its intentions regarding Mekedatu after such repeated noncompliance?” Masilamani questioned.
He cautioned that if the Mekedatu project is completed, it could obstruct even the current surplus flows to Tamil Nadu. He insisted that the project is not merely about providing drinking water to Bengaluru but about controlling the Cauvery and limiting Tamil Nadu’s entitled share. The association reaffirmed its longstanding demand for a neutral Cauvery Management Board with full operational authority over the reservoirs to ensure equitable and timely water releases without political interference. They urged the state government to firmly oppose any compromises and to take political and legal actions to protect the interests of Cauvery delta farmers.
