CWMA holds authority over Cauvery issue, says Nainar Nagenthran

BJP State president Nainar Nagenthran on Monday said the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) had the authority to enforce the Supreme Court’s orders on the Cauvery water-sharing dispute and urged the Tamil Nadu government to act swiftly to secure the State’s due share of water.

After paying floral tributes to freedom fighter Dheeran Chinnamalai at his memorial in Odanilai on his 221st death anniversary, Mr. Nagenthran told reporters that Tamil Nadu had expected the release of Cauvery water by now, but the delay had caused hardship to farmers.. He said Karnataka could not proceed with the proposed Mekedatu reservoir without the CWMA’s approval. Alleging that the Congress government in Karnataka had failed to comply with the Authority’s directions, he said the dispute resurfaced whenever the Congress was in power in the neighbouring State.

Describing the Cauvery as the lifeline for irrigation in 11 districts and drinking water supply in 25 districts in Tamil Nadu, Mr. Nagenthran said the delay of nearly 50 days in releasing water had affected both kuruvai and samba cultivation.

Referring to Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s proposed visit to Karnataka, he said Mr. Vijay should lead an all-party delegation of recognised political parties rather than visit the neighbouring State alone, as it would demonstrate Tamil Nadu’s united stand. He also faulted the State government for not convening an all-party meeting on the issue.

Maintaining that the responsibility for implementing the CWMA’s directions rested with Karnataka and not the Union government, Mr. Nagenthran alleged that the neighbouring State had released only about 4.35 tmc ft against the 41 tmc ft due for June and July.

He also criticised the State government over what he described as unfulfilled poll promises, including financial assistance to women, unemployment assistance for youth, farm loan waivers and employment generation. Alleging a deterioration in law and order, he claimed incidents of sexual assault, murder and custodial deaths had increased and alleged that some functionaries of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) were facing sexual offence charges.

On political developments, Mr. Nagenthran said ideological differences and personal relations should not be conflated, explaining his recent remarks praising Naam Tamilar Katchi leader Seeman.