Desilt major canals before opening Mettur, say farmers

As Karnataka opened the sluice gates of Kabini dam which is overflowing due to the heavy south west monsoon rains, the farmers hope that Kuruvai crops could be cultivated this year after seven years of drought. The farmers’ bodies urged the state government to take steps to open the Mettur dam on June 25, so that farmers could start their preparations and hold water for nurseries.

PR Pandian, president of All Farmers Organisation Committee said 35,000 cubic feet of water had been released from Kabini dam and further water release is possible from the Krishna Raja Sagar dam in a few days since the rains are pouring in catchment areas.

However, even if water is released from Mettur dam, there is no guarantee that water would reach the tail end of the delta districts, he complained. The rivers and canals had not been desilted during summer and the irrigation sluice gates and other infrastructure had not been repaired in most of

the rivers.

The maintenance works had not been properly carried out and the works for lake development had not begun despite issuing of tenders, he said. He wanted the formation of farmers committees to examine the PWD works and ensure that the works are carried out with their supervision. He also wanted the stopping of illegal sand quarrying in Cauvery’s tributaries to avoid disasters due to floods.

However, commenting on the situation, Food Minister R Kamaraj said, “The Mettur dam cannot be opened now. Eventhough, the dam is getting water flow due to release of Cauvery water from Karnataka, the storage level is not sufficient to allow release of water for irrigation. However, the Kuruvai package announced by the state government will be helpful for farmers to get a good yield this year.”