LG Bedi writes to PM, directs Pondy to file interlocutory plea

Bedi said that she had also directed the Puducherry government to file an interlocutory petition before the Supreme Court to press for the demand of the Union Territory for the CMB forthwith. 

Bedi said that the agricultural operations in Karaikal, an enclave of Puducherry, depended on the water from Cauvery. The area under cultivation had drastically reduced in the past due to shortage of water affecting the livelihood of farmers and farming labourers in Karaikal, she said. Bedi said that she had given approval to the Puducherry administration to file an interlocutory petition before the apex court “to expedite the process of constitution of CMB and CWRC” so as to ensure the livelihood of the farmers of the Karaikal region. Bedi requested the Prime Minister to direct the concerned ministry to constitute the CMB and CWRC forthwith without further delay. 

The copy of the letter was also sent to the Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Union Water Resources Minister Nitin Gadkari and Puducherry Chief Minister V Narayanasamy. In a separate message through WhatsApp to reporters, the Lt Governor said “there is no conflict of interest” between the Centre and Puducherry govt in protecting the interests of the farmers in the union territory.