PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has urged the Tamil Nadu government to secure water from Karnataka as per arbitration orders to protect the Samba crop season. He highlighted the critical water levels in Mettur Dam and the needs of delta farmers.

  • Anbumani Ramadoss demands water from Karnataka for the Samba season.
  • Mettur Dam's current level is 89.24 feet (51.78 TMC).
  • 18 lakh acres of Samba and Thaladi crops require 160 TMC of water.
  • The government must enforce Supreme Court and Arbitration orders.

PMK President Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss has issued a strong call to action to the Tamil Nadu government. He emphasized that the state must ensure the continuous supply of water from Karnataka as per the arbitration orders to safeguard the upcoming Samba season. He noted that while releasing water from the Mettur Dam is necessary, it is not a permanent solution given the current storage levels.

Addressing the current situation, Ramadoss pointed out that the Mettur Dam water level stands at 89.24 feet (51.78 TMC). While the state government's decision to release water from September 1st to protect the 'Kuruvai' crops is commendable, the looming Samba season presents a much larger challenge for the irrigation districts.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the agricultural stability of the Cauvery delta is inextricably linked to the timely release of water from upstream dams. A failure to secure water for the Samba season could lead to massive crop failures, affecting the livelihoods of millions of farmers in Tamil Nadu.

According to the leader, a total of 18 lakh acres are dedicated to Samba and Thaladi paddy cultivation in the Cauvery irrigation areas. To sustain these crops, approximately 160 TMC of water is required. Even with a normal North-East monsoon providing 50-60 TMC, the state still faces a massive deficit of 100-110 TMC that must be managed through the Mettur Dam and inflows from Karnataka.

The government must exert maximum legal and administrative pressure on Karnataka to honor the judicial mandates.

Regarding the legal framework, Ramdoss highlighted that under the Cauvery Management Authority and Supreme Court rulings, Karnataka was supposed to release specific quantities of water through June, July, and August. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding the actual amount received by Tamil Nadu. Currently, Karnataka owes approximately 28 TMC of water to the state.

The leader noted that Karnataka's dams currently hold about 82.11 TMC of water. He suggested that if Karnataka releases 2 TMC per day, the arrears could be cleared by the end of September. He urged the Tamil Nadu government to use the Cauvery Management Authority and the Supreme Court to ensure these orders are strictly implemented.

Did You Know?: For optimal management, the Mettur Dam should ideally maintain a level between 90 to 100 feet (52 to 65 TMC) to ensure sufficient supply for the entire season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the total water requirement for Samba crops?
The Samba and Thaladi crops combined require approximately 160 TMC of water.

2. What is the current status of the Mettur Dam?
The dam is currently at 89.24 feet, which is slightly below the ideal threshold for a full season's supply.