Citing monsoon in K’taka, politicos question Centre over delay in CMA

Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S Ramadoss in a statement issued here, said, “Even as the Supreme Court had directed the Centre to form the CMA before onset of the monsoon, the union government has thoroughly disregarded the direction. Even after the arrival of the Southwest monsoon, it is highly condemnable that the Centre is still dragging the issue by not setting up the CMA.”

Ramadoss said that even union Water Resource Secretary UP Singh, when recently asked about the formation of the CMA, had strongly asserted that he could not specify the date of its formation.

His reply was a clear indication that the ministry was not keen on setting up the CMA, the PMK leader charged.

The Centre should not be lethargic and should publish the CMA in the union gazette latest by this week, Ramadoss demanded.

Similarly, R Mutharasan, state secretary of CPI, said, “Since farmers from the delta region have started the preparatory work for the ensuing Kuruvai cultivation, both the state and central governments should immediately initiate measures to set up the CMA to protect the interests of farmers in the state.”

Moreover, the state government should pressure the Karnataka government to release water, as per the top court’s order, he said. 

Underscoring that farmers could not undertake the Kuruvai cultivation in the last five years, the CPI state secretary said, “The apex court verdict has kindled the hopes of farmers in Tamil Nadu of getting the Cauvery water this year. Considering the fact that farmers should not be frustrated this year too, the state government should ensure the release of water in June.” The Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi also echoed similar views and insisted that the Centre should form the CMB immediately.

“Karnataka has been receiving good rainfall and it should release water immediately without giving lame excuses,” said a statement by the party.