Kuruvai Cultivation at Risk as Mettur Water Level Declines: Delta Farmers Urge Action
Farmers in the Delta region of Tamil Nadu are gravely concerned as the water levels in the Mettur Dam continue to decline. They fear that the upcoming kuruvai cultivation, a crucial cropping season, is at risk of failure due to the lack of water. The water level in the dam has fallen to 60 feet, and unless immediate action is taken, a successful kuruvai harvest seems doubtful this year.
The Coordination Committee of All Farmers Association in Thanjavur expressed their distress over Karnataka’s failure to release water to Tamil Nadu despite having sufficient storage. The unavailability of water would not only have dramatic consequences for the Kuruvai harvest but also impact the production of around 30 lakh metric tons of paddy.
President of the committee, PR Pandian, appealed to Chief Minister MK Stalin to intervene in the matter urgently and ensure that Tamil Nadu receives its rightful share of water from Karnataka. The farmers are hopeful that the Chief Minister’s involvement will facilitate the release of water and save their standing crops.
In addition to the water scarcity issue, Pandian also drew attention to the polluted state of the Samuthiram Lake in Thanjavur. Untreated sewage from the Thanjavur city corporation is being discharged into the lake, posing a grave environmental threat. The sewage, which originates from the underground drainage system, is contaminating the lake, which serves as a crucial source of irrigation for approximately 300 acres of agricultural land in areas like Arulmozhipettai, Mariamman Temple, and Kadakadappai.
Pandian urged the civic administration to take immediate measures to address the release of untreated sewage into the lake, highlighting the urgency of the situation. If left unchecked, the polluted water could lead to further agricultural distress and raise health concerns for the farmers and communities depending on the lake for irrigation.
The farmers’ appeals for water security and the resolution of the sewage issue in the Samuthiram Lake reflect the challenges faced by agricultural communities in the Delta region. It is essential for the concerned authorities to address these pressing issues promptly and work towards sustainable solutions that safeguard the livelihoods of the farmers.
The uncertain future of this year’s kuruvai harvest highlights the vulnerability of agriculture to environmental factors such as water availability. As climate change continues to pose growing threats, it becomes increasingly crucial for governments and stakeholders to prioritize water management and ensure the resilience of agricultural practices. The plight of the Delta farmers serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to mitigate the risks faced by farming communities and protect food security in the region.
