After 64 years, Mohanakrishnan retires as water resources advisor to Tamil Nadu

After serving the Tamil Nadu government for more than 64 years, A Mohanakrishnan (86), advisor on water resources for the Tamil Nadu government, retired on Monday.

Public Works Minister K V Ramalingam and Public Works Department secretary M Saikumar felicitated Mohanakrishnan.

Mohanakrishnan said that he joined on June 24, 1948, and had been serving the government in various roles. HIs retirement comes in the backdrop of the State mounting pressure on the Centre and insisting that the final order of the Cauvery Tribunal be notified considering the withering crops here.

A senior official told Express that the fate of nine to 10 lakh acres of paddy crop, essential for food security of the nation, hinged on the Cauvery water to be released by Karnataka. Due to lack of proper rainfall, the farmers were solely dependent on the Cauvery water, said the official, adding that the state had demanded 18 tmc feet of water. The Supreme Court was to hear the case in January 2013.

Mohanakrishnan also recounted his experience with his first job and the work culture prevalent at that time.