Halt Kerala’s check dam construction: Velumani 

Former minister and AIADMK headquarters secretary S.P. Velumani chastised the DMK government on Wednesday for its lack of response to Kerala’s proposal to build a check dam across the Amaravathi River’s tributary, the Silandhi River. Velumani charged that the state government was neglecting to uphold Tamil Nadu’s rights over interstate waterways, acting as a “mute spectator” in the process.

Following media allegations that the Kerala government, led by the Communist party, was trying to build the check dam at Peruguda, Edappadi K. Palaniswami, the leader of the AIADMK, brought up the matter. Since then, the governments of Tamil Nadu and Kerala have received notices about this problem from the Southern bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Velumani charged that the Tamil Nadu government was ignoring the problem in order to protect the first family’s corporate interests, who control the majority. “They are prepared to guarantee the rights of the state and the well-being of its citizens for their personal gain,” Velumani declared in a statement.

He also took issue with State Water Resource Minister Duraimurugan’s inability to clearly address the Leader of the Opposition’s worries on Kerala’s building plans. Velumani gave the minister a call.

Velumani underlined that in order to safeguard the state’s water resources and the interests of its citizens, the Tamil Nadu government should approach the NGT and take all required action.

Former Tamil Nadu minister S.P. Velumani has urged the Kerala government to immediately stop the construction of check dams along the Bhavani River, warning of severe consequences for Tamil Nadu’s water supply. Velumani, a senior leader of the AIADMK, emphasized that these projects could significantly impact farmers and drinking water availability in Tamil Nadu’s western districts.

Concerns Over Check Dam Construction

1. Threat to Tamil Nadu’s Water Supply
   • The Bhavani River is a major tributary of the Cauvery River, supplying water to Coimbatore, Erode, and Tirupur districts.
   • Tamil Nadu depends on the river for agriculture, drinking water, and industrial needs.
   • Velumani argued that Kerala’s check dams could reduce water flow, leading to severe water shortages during summers.
3. Violation of Interstate Water Agreements
   • The construction of check dams without consulting Tamil Nadu violates interstate water-sharing agreements.
   • Tamil Nadu’s government had earlier raised concerns with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), urging intervention.
4. Impact on Farmers
5. • Reduced water flow could directly affect thousands of farmers in Tamil Nadu’s western belt.
   • Velumani warned that water scarcity would damage crops, lower yields, and create financial distress for the agricultural community.

Demand for Central Government Intervention

• Velumani has called on the Tamil Nadu government to take up the issue with the Centre.
• He urged the Union Jal Shakti Ministry to direct Kerala to halt construction immediately.
• AIADMK leaders have also suggested legal action if Kerala proceeds with the project.

Kerala’s Justification

• Kerala argues that the check dams are meant for local irrigation and groundwater recharge.
• Officials maintain that the projects do not significantly impact downstream water flow to Tamil Nadu.
• However, Tamil Nadu leaders remain skeptical and demand scientific studies and consultations before any further construction.

With tensions rising over water-sharing, the issue could escalate into a major interstate dispute, requiring intervention from higher authorities to prevent a crisis.

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