TN farmers urge CM Stalin to ensure release of pending Cauvery water from Karnataka

IANS June 19, 2025 632 views

Tamil Nadu farmers are urging CM Stalin to press Karnataka for the release of 50 TMC Cauvery water, which is critical for kuruvai and samba crops. They accuse Karnataka of ignoring Supreme Court directives, worsening the water crisis in the Delta region. Farmers also highlight delays in agricultural loans and free electricity connections, further straining their livelihoods. The situation threatens to disrupt the state’s key farming cycles if not resolved urgently.

"Karnataka has repeatedly failed to release Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of Cauvery water." – P. Viswanathan, Tamil Nadu Tank and River Ayacutdars Welfare Association
TN farmers urge CM Stalin to ensure release of pending Cauvery water from Karnataka
Chennai, June 19: Farmers from Tamil Nadu’s Delta region have appealed to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to press the Karnataka government to release 50 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of Cauvery water, pending since April.

Key Points

1

Farmers warn kuruvai cultivation at risk due to water shortage

2

Karnataka accused of violating SC order on water release

3

Mettur dam storage insufficient for crop needs

4

Delays in farm loans and power connections add to crisis

The farmers stressed that the delay is jeopardising the ongoing kuruvai cultivation and could potentially impact the upcoming samba season as well.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, P. Viswanathan, the state president of the Tamil Nadu Tank and River Ayacutdars Welfare Association, said that as per the Supreme Court’s directives, Karnataka is obligated to release the specified quantity of water to Tamil Nadu. However, the neighbouring state has not complied with the apex court’s order, he alleged.

“The Karnataka government has repeatedly failed to release Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of Cauvery water. This violates the Supreme Court’s clear directions regarding water distribution. The Tamil Nadu government must take urgent steps to secure our share,” Viswanathan stated.

He pointed out that the kuruvai season requires at least 118 TMC of water, whereas the current storage in the Mettur dam stands at only 84 TMC -- insufficient for uninterrupted cultivation. The delayed release of water from Karnataka threatens to derail both kuruvai and samba crop cycles, which form the backbone of Delta agriculture.

Chandrashekaran P.M., a farmer from Thanjavur, criticised Karnataka’s practice of releasing excess water only during monsoon floods. “Water should be released systematically and as per schedule, not just when reservoirs overflow,” he said.

In addition to the water crisis, Chandrashekaran raised concerns about the Tamil Nadu government’s execution of its agricultural commitments. Despite the announcement of a Rs 46,000 crore agriculture budget for 2025-26, farmers on the ground have yet to see tangible benefits, he noted.

He urged the state government to expedite the disbursement of crop loans through cooperative banks, especially since cultivation has already begun. “Farmers are facing unnecessary delays in getting loans, which is hampering agricultural activities,” he added.

The farmers also highlighted the long-pending issue of free electricity connections. Many farmers who had applied for free power supply years ago are still waiting for approvals, Viswanathan said, calling on the government to resolve the matter without further delay.

Reader Comments

R
Ramesh K.
This Cauvery issue has been dragging on for decades! Karnataka must respect the Supreme Court order and release our rightful share. Farmers' livelihoods are at stake here. Why does this become a political football every season? 🤨
P
Priya M.
As someone from Chennai, I understand both sides. But releasing water only during floods is so wasteful! Karnataka should follow a proper schedule. Our delta farmers work so hard - they deserve better water management from both states.
A
Arjun S.
The Rs 46,000 crore agriculture budget sounds impressive, but what's the use if farmers aren't getting loans on time? Government schemes look good on paper but implementation is always slow. First fix the basics!
L
Lakshmi V.
My grandfather was a Delta farmer. It breaks my heart to see the same issues persisting generation after generation. Both state governments need to sit together and find a permanent solution, not just temporary fixes before every election.
S
Suresh P.
Free electricity connections pending for years? This is unacceptable. If the government can announce big budgets, they should also deliver on small promises that make a huge difference to farmers. Action speaks louder than words!
K
Kavita R.
We need better water conservation methods too. While fighting for our share, TN should also invest in modern irrigation and rainwater harvesting. Can't keep depending only on Cauvery water forever. Jai Kisan! 🙏

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Tags:
Cauvery water dispute Tamil Nadu farmers Karnataka water release MK Stalin Kuruvai cultivation Samba season