Centre’s announcement, an adhoc relief, say farmers

Construction of the dam at Mukkali near Agali in Kerala that was initiated by the Government of Kerala attracted a strong protest as it could hamper flow of water to Tamil Nadu. The project for which the Union Government had earlier given permission directly posed a threat to the irrigation and drinking water resources downstream, especially in Coimbatore. State Youth Wing Secretary of Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam V. 

Eswaran who led agitations against the dam as early as 2012 said that the Union Government has now yielded to pressure from Tamil Nadu against construction of the dam. “Government at the Centre should come with a clear and strong policy concerning inter-State river issues,” he said. Eswaran said that it is evident that the Union Government is frequently changing decisions over such issues. 

“In the Cauvery issue the Union Government was in favour of Tamil Nadu before supporting Karnataka following serious protests there. Similarly, in the Siruvani issue the same government that granted permission for the dam is now opposing it,” he said. According to him the Union Government should take a clear policy level stand about reacting to emotional threats. “Lack of a clear stand is resulting in misunderstanding between States,” he added. 

State Secretary of Katchgi Sarbatra Vivasayegal Sangam S. Kandhasamy called the decision by the Union Government as a victory for the efforts taken by the State Government and everyone who opposed construction of the dam. “While officials in Tamil Nadu have claimed that they have not got any intimation about the construction of the dam from the Union Government, the response from officials in the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests is contrary. 

“The government should conduct an inquiry in the blame game and punish the negligent officials who were responsible for confusion over the construction of the dam,” he said. State General Secretary of Thanthai Periyar Dravida Kazhagam Ku. Ramakrishnan urged the Kerala Government to abide by the Union Government’s directions. “If they fail the Tamil Nadu Government should stop supply of essential commodities to Kerala,” he said.