Farmers from Cuddalore District have pinned their hopes on the Centre to urge the Karnataka government to release Cauvery water to the Mettur Dam on time so that they could start work on paddy cultivation without delay. They raised this issue during a grievance redressal meet held here on Friday.
P Ravindhran, president of Cuddalore District Uzhavar Mandra Kootamaippu, said, “This year, from June 1 till now, Karnataka should have released 4.1 tmc of water to the Mettur Dam as per the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal order. But, so far, the dam has received only 1.6 tmc water. Since there isn’t enough inflow, the level now stands at 79.05 ft. It can be opened only if the level reaches 90 ft.”
Usually the dam is opened on June 12 but this year, the dam did not release water for irrigation on the customary date. “Last year, the dam was opened on June 6, a week ahead of the customary date. But this year, due to the delay in the southwest monsoon, the dam did not get enough water.