The state government on Friday decided to release water from Mettur dam for delta irrigation from September 17 even while anticipating rains from northeast monsoon which normally sets in around the third week of October.
Making an announcement to this effect after reviewing Mettur dam water release and Samba crops prospects, chief minister J. Jayalalithaa also allocated `53 crore towards various sops and subsidies for farmers.
Pointing out that Mettur dam, which should have received 43.837 tmcft as per distress sharing formula, has received 9.187tcmft, Ms Jayalalithaa attributed the present low storage in Mettur dam to Karnataka not releasing due share of water to TN even under distress sharing formula.
Referring to existing low 38.813tmcft storage in the dam, Ms Jayalalithaa said that though the Kuruvai (short-term) cultivation was badly affected, the state government, by providing 12-hour three-phase power supply, resulted in Kuruvai cultivation in 1.6 lakh acres.
The Rs 53.53 crore sops also include subsidy for farmers taking up Samba (long-term) crops and System of Rice Intensification and other modern methods of cultivation that would ensure lesser duration of the crop season among others.
Further, this amount would also be used towards procuring and renting various modern farm equiment, she said.
Recalling her two letters to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, demanding convening of Cauvery River Authority (CRA) meeting and seeking his direction to Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu, the CM also faulted the Centre, which failed to prevail over Karnataka towards releasing water as per interim award of Cauvery Tribunal, for delay in releasing water for delta irrigation.