Date:12/06/2004 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/06/12/stories/2004061207300400.htm

Tamil Nadu

`Cauvery family' to work for distress formula

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUCHI, JUNE 11. Even as the Cauvery issue has assumed centre stage with a flurry of political activity, the `Cauvery family', comprising farmers' representatives of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, took a significant step forward today, agreeing to evolve a distress sharing formula to supplement the efforts of the riparian State governments, the Centre and the legal process.

This was an outcome of a conclave held here today as part of an initiative to promote a better understanding between the farmers of the two States through dialogue. "A mindset has been created to evolve a distress sharing formula," read a statement issued after the meeting between a 13-member delegation of Karnataka and representatives of Tamil Nadu farmers.

K.C.Basavaraj, vice-president of the Karnataka State Farmers Association; T.S.Srinivasan, president of the Cauvery Delta Farmers Welfare Association, Mannargudi S.Ranganathan, secretary; S.Janakarajan (of the Madras Institute of Development Studies), coordinator of the Cauvery Family; and farmers' representatives from both the States participated. The Karnataka delegation was on a two-day visit to the State and this is the fourth meeting between the two sides.

However, representatives of both States made it clear that they had just made a beginning and the effort would be purely recommendatory. Addressing the media, Mr.Basavaraj and Mr.Ranganathan said there had been a significant forward movement in the dialogue between the farmers and stressed the need for continuing the process to create a congenial atmosphere for water sharing, to protect the Cauvery basin environment and livelihood of millions.

Mr.Ranganathan underlined the need for frequent interaction between water managers of the riparian states, which could help manage distress situations better. Mr.Basavaraj said Karnataka had been facing an unprecedented distress situation over the past three years due to lack of adequate rainfall, but hoped for a normal monsoon this year "which has begun well."

The Press statement hoped that the Cauvery Tribunal would come up with the final award, which would be acceptable to all parties sooner or later.

The family resolved against promoting regional chauvinism or violence. The family members are scheduled to visit the Upper Anaicut (Mookkumbu), the basin areas and the Mettur reservoir tomorrow.