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The recent opening of the Mettur dam for the irrigation of delta districts in Tamil Nadu has sparked a wave of protests from farmers, who are demanding a change in the water management strategy. Their primary concern revolves around the prioritization of filling local lakes and tanks before any excess water is allowed to flow into the Cauvery River and ultimately, into the sea. The farmers argue that this approach would ensure a more efficient and sustainable use of the precious water resources available to them.
The protests, led by prominent figures like P Viswanathan, state president of the Tamil Nadu Tank and River Irrigation Farmers' Association, highlight the critical need for a water management strategy that prioritizes the immediate needs of the local communities. The association demands that the 935 lakes under PWD control in seven districts, including Tiruchy, Pudukkottai, Ariyalur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, be filled first before any surplus water is released into the Cauvery. This approach, they believe, would ensure that the farmers have access to sufficient water for their agricultural needs.
The farmers' concerns extend beyond just water storage. They also express apprehension regarding the availability of quality paddy seeds and timely access to crop loans. N Veerasekaran, state spokesperson of Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, emphasizes that the success of the samba cultivation season depends on these factors. Last year, farmers suffered substantial losses due to poor quality seeds sold by private agencies, highlighting the need for stricter quality control measures and government intervention to ensure the availability of quality seeds to all farmers. They also urge for smoother and faster access to crop loans, eliminating the bureaucratic hurdles that often delay their receipt.
Adding further complexity to the situation is the ongoing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka regarding the sharing of Cauvery water resources. Kavandampatti R Subramanian, deputy secretary of the Cauvery Delta Farmers' Welfare Association, criticizes Karnataka for utilizing Tamil Nadu as a drainage area by releasing excess water into the Cauvery during flood-like situations. This excess water, he argues, should not be considered part of the mandatory monthly release as determined by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA). The Tamil Nadu government is urged to raise this issue with the CWMC, advocating for the recognition of this excess water as a separate category.
The ongoing protests highlight the multifaceted challenges faced by Tamil Nadu farmers regarding water management and agricultural sustainability. Addressing their demands, including the prioritization of lake filling, ensuring access to quality seeds and crop loans, and resolving the dispute with Karnataka regarding excess water release, is crucial for securing the future of agriculture in the delta region and ensuring the livelihood of the farming community.
Source: Tamil Nadu farmers demand measures to store maximum quantum of Cauvery water