CHENNAI: The State government’s conditional agreement for the contentious check dam that Karnataka is constructing across Cauvery river at Mekedatu attracted stinging criticism from opposition parties, who sought immediate reversal of the position.
During the hearing of the case before the Supreme Court, Tamil Nadu reportedly submitted that it had no objection to the construction of the check dam if the water thus saved was released to the State.
In a strongly-worded statement, MDMK general secretary termed it a betrayal and sacrifice of the rights of the people of Tamil Nadu, and sought the resignation of Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami. Recalling how the late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa never compromised on such matters, he said his party would organise a protest in Chennai on Monday against this.
Warning that construction of a check dam would lead to desertification of the delta districts, VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan said the Chief Minister must clarify the government’s position in the matter.
If the check dam is allowed to be built at Mekedatu, the State would not receive even a drop of water, said CPI State secretary R Mutharasan, charging the authorities with joining Karnataka and the Centre in betraying Tamil Nadu.
Betrayal. This is how Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani, too described Tamil Nadu’s stand, alleging that the State government was acting in the interests of the BJP government at the Centre. Terming Karnataka’s explanation that the check dam was for saving water for Tamil Nadu, a joke, Tamil Nadu Farmers Association general secretary Shanmugam said the government must reconsider its stand.
‘Water shortage imminent’
If the check dam is allowed to be built, the State would not receive even a drop of water, said CPI State secretary R Mutharasan