Chennai: Chief Minister Vijay on Monday asserted that Cauvery water is Tamil Nadu’s legally protected right, backed by the Cauvery Tribunal’s final award and the Supreme Court’s verdict, and said the state would not surrender it under any circumstances.
The Chief Minister inaugurated the release of delta irrigation water from the Mettur dam. In a statement, he said every cusec released would be ensured to reach farmers’ welfare through proper and accountable use.
He announced a crackdown on illegal extraction along the Cauvery river and canal network, including unauthorised pumping using electric motors, drawing water without permission, and taking more than the permitted quantity under approved lift-irrigation schemes. Joint monitoring teams involving the Water Resources Department, Revenue and Disaster Management Department and others will conduct round-the-clock patrols.
Citing a shortfall in the southwest monsoon and the impact of a severe El Niño, Vijay said the current release is a planned measure to manage limited water efficiently and protect Samba cultivation. He urged farmers to adopt medium-duration paddy varieties that require less water and to follow direct seeding methods, while ensuring distribution up to the tail-end of canals.
