Chennai: Taking objection to Kerala constructing six check dams across the Bhavani river without obtaining prior concurrence from Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam on Tuesday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to ensure no projects are taken up until the Cauvery Management Board comes into force.
He said the reports of Kerala taking up construction of check dams have caused great concern and anxiety among the people of Tamil Nadu dependent on waters of the Cauvery basin including the Bhavani, for irrigation and drinking water supply.
“I wish to inform that any attempt to construct check dams across the river Bhavani without disclosing the details of schemes and obtaining the prior concurrence of the Government of Tamil Nadu, violating the order of the tribunal, will affect the natural flow of the river Bhavani and consequently diminish the flows to Tamil Nadu,” Mr Panneerselvam said.
The Government of Tamil Nadu conveys its strong objection to the construction of check dams by Kerala across the river Bhavani, without obtaining the prior concurrence of Tamil Nadu and in violation of the final order of the tribunal, he said.
Mr Panneerselvam also asked the Prime Minister to instruct the ministry of water resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation to advise the Government of Kerala to immediately stop the works of construction of check dams across the river Bhavani.
“The Kerala government may also be advised not to take up any project or works without obtaining the prior concurrence of the Tanil Nadu and until the Cauvery Management Board and the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee comes into force and judicial references are finally settled,” he said in the letter.
