Ryots hail experts’ decision against Mekedatu project

THANJAVUR: Farmers of Cauvery delta districts have welcomed the declining by Expert Appraisal Committee of the Union Environment ministry on river valley and hydroelectric projects to grant terms of reference (ToR) to Karnataka for its Mekedatu project.

S.Ranganathan, secretary of Cauvery Delta Farmers Welfare Association told Deccan Chronicle on Thursday that union environment ministry has clearly said that Karnataka has to negotiate with Tamil Nadu and work out an amicable solution on the request of Karnataka for an environment study for the Rs 9,000 crore project.

This Karnataka should respect and do. “It is not known when and how Karnataka will do it but given the situation in Karnataka where stability of the state government is not assured, Central government busy tackling the situation arising out of abrogation of article 370 for Kashmir, the issue can be postpone for two years. Later the concerned governments can sit together and arrive at an amicable settlement” Ranganathan said.

“There was a time when hydroelectric projects alone were proposed at Mekedatu, Rasimanal and Hogennekkal one and two. But now Karnataka has chosen a location other than this and plans to store 67 tmcFT of water. This can’t be permitted,” Ranganathan said.

P. Maniarasan of Cauvery Urimai Meetpu Kuzhu, Sami Nadarajan, district secretary of Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam affiliated to CPI(M), also welcomed the EACs opinion.

RAINS BRING CHEER TO FARMERS
Copious showers in Karnataka which has filled up Kabini dam from where nearly 80,000 to 90,000 cusecs of water is released on Thursday evening and fast filling up of K.R.Sagar dam, has brought cheers to farmers of Cauvery delta districts.

“In all probabilities, Mettur dam will reach 80 to 90 ft or even will attain its full level of 120 ft if the rains continue in Karnataka. This augurs well for taking up long term samba crop in the delta” said S. Ranganathan, secretary, Cauvery delta farmers welfare association.

This year, for the eighth consecutive year, the dam could not be opened on June 12, the traditional date for opening the dam for Kuruvai cultivation due to poor storage in Mettur dam. Hence farmers have skipped kuruvai (short term crop) in canal irrigated areas this year also.

“But now we are pinning hopes on long term crop Samba and water situation also will improve in Mettur dam due to heavy rains in Karnataka” said farmers.