P Shanmugam Criticises 45-Day Mettur Dam Water Release Plan

CPM state secretary P Shanmugam on Saturday criticised the state government's decision to release water from the Mettur dam for 45 days starting September 1, stating in Chennai that the duration is inadequate for samba paddy cultivation.

Water resources minister N Anand had earlier announced that chief minister C Joseph Vijay would release water from the Mettur dam on Tuesday to support agricultural operations in the delta region.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Shanmugam explained that the long-duration samba crop necessitates at least 120 days of assured water supply. He stated that capping the release period at just 45 days would adversely impact delta farmers who rely on the water for their agricultural cycle.

Shanmugam also warned that the decision could work to Karnataka's advantage in the ongoing Cauvery water dispute. He noted that the move could establish a precedent that Karnataka might exploit to deny Tamil Nadu its rightful share of Cauvery water going forward.

He further referred to Karnataka's alleged non-compliance with the Supreme Court's directives regarding the release of the stipulated quantity of water to the lower riparian state.