Thanjavur: Farmers' representatives of Cauvery delta districts welcomed the decision of the Tamil Nadu government to open the Mettur dam for 'samba' paddy cultivation on Tuesday.
“With the level touching 82-ft on Monday afternoon and as there is every likelihood of level reaching 100-ft by Tuesday, it is a “fair judgment” on the part of state government to open the dam on Tuesday. But care should be taken that water released should be utilised mostly for raising nurseries and a judicious management of water should be done to keep the flow till the end of the season,” said S. Ranganathan, secretary, Cauvery delta farmers welfare association.
S.S. Palanimanickam, Thanjavur MP, said that he welcomed the decision to open the dam on Tuesday as it was the opinion of all party leaders in delta districts to open the dam when the level reaches 100-ft. Surplus water from Bhavanisagar and release from Mettur should be ultilised for raising 'samba' and sustaining it, he said.
The 'Kudimaramathu (desilting and restoration of tanks/lakes)' works taken up should be completed within a week before water reaches the canals, the DMK MP urged. Payment for incomplete works should not be done and should be made only next year after completing the works, he stressed.
Tamil Nadu government also should get the due share of Cauvery water from Karnataka as per the Supreme court order. “Karnataka is releasing only surplus waters. But the sharing should be on the available storage and during distress. Karnataka should not account the surplus as the share of water it has given,” said Palanimanickam.
P.R. Pandian, coordinator of the 'Thamizhaga Anaithu Vivasaya Sangangalin Oruginaippu Kuzhu' welcomed the decision of the Government. “As nine sluices got damaged across Kollidam at Mukkombu last year, there is every likelihood of pressure on Grand Anicut. A committee under the head of a government secretary should be formed to ensure safe flow of water and safety of Grand Anicut,” Pandian said.
Sami Nadarajan, district secretary of 'Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam' affiliated to the CPI(M) said that works that can be completed within one week should be completed under 'Kudimaramathu'. Rest of the works should be postponed, he urged.
Nadarajan also made the point that Cooperative department should make available necessary credit for farmers to take up 'samba' cultivation. Agriculture department should ensure availability of certified seeds and fertilisers. “Crop insurance compensation for 2018-19 had not reached many farmers. it should be disbursed immediately as farmers can use that amount for cultivation expenses,” Nadarajan said.
