‘Cauvery our legal right’: Tamil Nadu CM Vijay opens Mettur dam for Samba rice cultivation, drinking water needs

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has ordered the release of water from the Mettur Dam in Salem to fulfill drinking water needs and support Samba rice cultivation in the Cauvery Delta. The decision comes amid an ongoing water-sharing dispute with neighboring Karnataka, with the chief minister asserting that Tamil Nadu's access to the Cauvery river is a firm legal right.

Speaking during the water release in Salem, Vijay emphasized that Tamil Nadu's allocation is guaranteed under the Cauvery Tribunal's final award and the Supreme Court judgment dated February 16, 2018. He affirmed that the state government will not give up its rightful share under any circumstances and will continue taking strong legal and administrative measures to secure its due water allocation.

The move follows a Supreme Court directive on August 17 instructing Karnataka to ensure full compliance with the Cauvery Water Management Authority directions regarding water releases to Tamil Nadu. The apex court is evaluating whether Karnataka continues to honor the established water-sharing orders while Tamil Nadu pursues further legal remedies.

At the time of release, Mettur Dam recorded a water level of 91.56 feet, with storage standing at 54.452 TMC and an inflow of 10,857 cusecs. Government officials confirmed that every cubic foot of water released will be regulated in phases based on regional irrigation requirements and closely monitored by state authorities.

To protect the interests of delta farmers, the state government has announced a strict crackdown on unauthorized water extraction along the Cauvery and its canals. Joint enforcement teams—comprising officials from the Water Resources, Revenue and Disaster Management departments, police, and TANGEDCO—will conduct 24-hour surveillance to prevent illegal pumping using electric motors and excess withdrawals beyond permitted limits.

The government described the release as a carefully planned measure to navigate water scarcity caused by a deficient South-West monsoon and the impact of El Nino. Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Water Resources, and Revenue departments are actively coordinating with district administrations to ensure equitable distribution.

Farmers in the Cauvery Delta have been advised to adopt water-conserving agricultural techniques, including direct sowing and planting medium-duration paddy varieties that require less water. Vijay called on local farming communities to use the available resources economically to ensure a successful Samba crop season across all agricultural fields.

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