The Hindu : CRA boycott 'unfortunate, ill-timed'

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Jun 23, 2002

Southern States

Southern States - Tamil Nadu

CRA boycott 'unfortunate, ill-timed'

By S. Vydhianathan and T. Ramakrishnan

CHENNAI June. 22. The State Government decision to boycott the Cauvery River Authority (CRA), headed by the Prime Minister, is rather "unfortunate", feel leaders of various political parties and farmer associations.

It is not proper for the Government to seek Supreme Court intervention at this juncture, as the move will only complicate the issue instead of solving it. The decision, they say, will not provide any relief to delta farmers, who are now badly in need of water for kuruvai cultivation.

Various farmers associations have been voicing their apprehension over the poor storage in the Mettur reservoir. But the Government, which remained mute so far, is now taking a step, which will not benefit the farmers in any way, the political leaders and the ryots contend.

When his reaction was sought, the Union Rural Development Minister, M.Venkaiah Naidu, told reporters that it would be better to discuss and sort out the problems democratically. The Prime Minister had intervened in the past and found solutions and he could have been approached now also.

The PMK founder-leader, S. Ramadoss, said the government move was only a `diversionary' tactic. Already, in a case pending in the Supreme Court, two hearings were held in February and April this year. On both occasions, the State Government sought time to file its reply. If the Government was really serious about finding a solution to the issue, it could have fought the case effectively.

Terming the government move ``unwise and suicidal'', the Cauvery Delta Farmers Welfare Association secretary, S.Ranganthan, said the CRA was crucial particularly during a distress period, as it provided opportunities for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka to discuss their problem and arrive at a solution. ``In the CRA's scheme of things, it is possible to work out a formula for sharing water even from the beginning of the irrigation season''.

``What we should do now is to urge the Centre to hold meetings of the Monitoring Committee as frequently as possible so that no State faces undue hardship and the available water is optimally utilised and equitably shared'', Mr Ranganathan suggested.

The Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam said the Government's move would not bring any relief to the farmers.

It should have pressured the Centre for implementing the interim award of the tribunal. Approaching the Supreme Court would not solve the issue either.

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