Tamil Nadu CM Stalin Urges Kerala To Halt Construction Of Check Dam On Silanthi River Over Farmers' Concerns

The appeal comes amid mounting apprehensions from Tamil Nadu farmers who fear that the project could disrupt the water flow to the Amaravati dam, a crucial resource for agriculture in the region.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has called on his Kerala counterpart, Pinarayi Vijayan, to immediately cease the construction of a check dam across the Silanthi river in Idukki district on Thursday. The appeal comes amid mounting apprehensions from Tamil Nadu farmers who fear that the project could disrupt the water flow to the Amaravati dam, a crucial resource for agriculture in the region.

In a letter addressed to Vijayan on Thursday, Stalin cited media reports about the Kerala government's plan to build the check dam, which aims to supply drinking water to the Vattavadi gram panchayat. However, Tamil Nadu farmers are deeply concerned that the check dam could significantly reduce the water inflow to the Amaravati dam, thereby affecting agricultural activities in Tirupur and Karur districts.

Stalin underscored that the project details have not been shared with Tamil Nadu authorities or the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), raising further concerns about the lack of transparency and potential legal implications. He emphasized the need for Kerala to provide comprehensive information on the project, including a status report and the master plan for the Bhavani and Amaravati sub-basins, a release from Tamil Nadu government said, according to a report on PTI.

The release highlighted that the state's Water Resources Additional Chief Secretary has already requested a detailed status report on the check dam project. 

Stalin's letter urged the Kerala government to suspend all activities related to the check dam construction until a mutual agreement is reached, in the interest of maintaining amicable relations between the two neighboring states. He expressed hope that an amicable resolution could be achieved through dialogue and cooperation, ensuring that the interests of farmers and the agricultural sector in Tamil Nadu are safeguarded.

Meanwhile, DMK leader TKS Elangovan on check dam project across Silanthi river said that it was a state matter and should not be considered a fight between alliance partners. He said, "It is a government to government deal. Every government has its priorities. A state government has to help the people of their state. We are all state governments. So when we fight for us, that is what is going on between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. That is what is going on everywhere throughout India."

"See, this is a state issue in which what we feel is that our people should not be deprived of water and that state feels that people should get water. Thats all. It's not a matter of fight between alliance parties, it is an issue between two states, and state governments that you should understand," he said.