Sengottaiyan criticizes DMK over Mekedatu dam during Erode water review
Tamil Nadu Revenue Minister K A Sengottaiyan criticized the previous Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government on Saturday for failing to pursue legal remedies to stop Karnataka’s plan to construct a dam at Mekedatu.
Speaking at an official consultation meeting at the Erode district collectorate, the minister addressed the ongoing dispute over the Cauvery river water rights and reviewed local infrastructure projects.
During the session, Sengottaiyan emphasized that the current state administration has taken active steps to counter the dam project. He reiterated that Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay had personally urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and halt Karnataka’s moves to build the structure across the Cauvery river in Mekedatu.
The review meeting, which was chaired by Erode District Collector S Kandasamy, also featured participation from Handloom Minister M Vijay Balaji. Sengottaiyan used the platform to demand greater accountability from department officials. He stated that the government's performance since coming to power warranted a thorough review, urging officials to meet the public's demands without delay.
Following the meeting, Sengottaiyan spoke to reporters and emphasized the need for administrative efficiency. He stated that officers must complete necessary office procedures promptly to ensure that citizens receive timely relief.
A major portion of the administrative review focused on local water infrastructure, specifically the Athikadavu-Avinashi integrated drinking water project. Sengottaiyan directed officials to investigate why more than 70 ponds were failing to fill and ordered them to implement immediate remedial measures.
In addition to the pond issue, the minister instructed officials to begin silt-removal operations at the Bhavanisagar Dam. This measure is intended to improve the dam's overall storage capacity and protect the downstream water supply.
Finally, Sengottaiyan addressed public allegations regarding liquor outlets operating in violation of state regulations. The revenue minister demanded concrete statistics on the alleged violations and warned that the government would take strict action where breaches are confirmed.
