Palaniswami urges TN govt to release Mettur water as Delta crops face threat

AIADMK general secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Sunday urged the Tamil Nadu government to immediately release water from the Mettur Dam , warning that standing paddy crops in the Cauvery Delta region are at risk of severe damage due to inadequate irrigation.

Interacting with distressed farmers in Thanjavur district , Palaniswami said the crops are currently in the critical flowering or milking stage , during which continuous water supply is essential for at least 20 more days to ensure a successful harvest.

“The farmers of the Delta region have invested heavily by taking loans to cultivate these crops. If water is not released now, the paddy will dry up and turn into pathir (chaff), leading to irreparable losses,” the former chief minister said.

During his visit, farmers showed him parched fields and withered stalks , stating that the cessation of water supply over the past few weeks had pushed them to the brink. Some said they were forced to use motors to pump meagre quantities of water to keep the crops alive, while others feared total crop failure if irrigation was not restored immediately.

Calling the demand for water “legitimate,” Palaniswami said the livelihood and welfare of thousands of farming families depended on the current harvest. “These farmers have shed their blood and sweat for this crop. The government must understand their hardship and act without delay,” he added.

The AIADMK leader also took aim at the DMK government , describing the recently presented state budget as a “zero budget” that offered no concrete relief or long-term vision for farmers and the general public. He further questioned delays in providing compensation for losses caused by previous cyclones , alleging administrative apathy.

Responding to queries on political alliances, Palaniswami dismissed criticism, asserting that the AIADMK remained firmly committed to public welfare.

“If water is released now, it will not only safeguard farmers’ income but also boost the state’s overall paddy production. The government must act immediately to save Delta farmers from distress,” he said.

The current situation has been developing over the past two to three weeks , with farmers repeatedly flagging concerns as water releases from the Mettur Dam were curtailed. Delays or interruptions in irrigation during the flowering stage have historically resulted in crop losses in the Cauvery Delta, making the timing of water release crucial every farming season.