The Desiya Thenindia Nadigal Inaippu Vivasayigal Sangam president P. Ayyakannu has expressed satisfaction over the Supreme Court directive to form the Cauvery Management Board (CMB).
“Though it is slightly disappointing that the quantum of our share has been reduced, we are happy that the court has directed the formation of CMB. The board, once constituted, will ensure the release of Tamil Nadu’s share of water as per the judicial orders and also that Karnataka does not increase its area of cultivation,” Mr. Ayyakannu said.
It is also a matter of satisfaction that the SC has observed that no state can claim right over the Cauvery, he said.
Major blow to State: Dhanapalan
The reduction in the quantum of the Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water by 14.74 tmcft was a blow to the State and would affect irrigation for about one lakh acres here, said Cauvery S. Dhanapalan, general secretary, Cauvery Farmers Protection Association.
The successive reduction in the quantum of water share from the interim and final awards of the Cauvery Disputes Tribunal and now by the Supreme Court raises serious doubts on whether the earlier assessments were wrong, he said.
Pointing out that the Centre had been reluctant to form the Cauvery Management Board, Mr.Dhanapalan said unless the Board was formed and the release of water was ensured on a daily basis, the Supreme verdict would be remain only on paper.
'TN failed to put forward its case properly'
The State government has failed to put forward its case properly before the Supreme Court and this has led to the reduction in the quantum of the Tamil Nadu’s share of Cauvery water, observed Puliyur A.Nagarajan, president, farmers wing of the Tamil Maanila Congress.
Mr.Nagarajan also insisted that the quantum of water allocated for Tamil Nadu should be released on a daily basis.
The Centre should no longer delay the formation of the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulatory Authority so that the immediate implementation of the SC verdict is ensured, he said.
