Headline: Ahead of Kuruvai Season, Vasan Urges Tamil Nadu Government to Release Mettur Dam Water from June 12
By [Your Name/News Desk]
Chennai, June 10: With the crucial Kuruvai farming season approaching, senior political leader and founder of the Tamil Maanila Congress (TMC), G.K. Vasan, has made a strong appeal to the Tamil Nadu government. On Monday, Vasan urged the state administration to commence the release of water from the Mettur dam on June 12, marking the traditional start date for irrigation in the Cauvery delta region.
The demand comes at a time when farmers across the central districts of Tamil Nadu are anxiously preparing their fields for the short-term Kuruvai paddy crop. Delays in water release could significantly impact sowing schedules and crop yields, making this a pressing agricultural and political issue in the state.
A Long-Standing Demand for Timely Release
Speaking to reporters in Chennai, Vasan emphasized that the June 12 date holds historical and agricultural significance for delta farmers. “For decades, the release of Mettur dam water on June 12 has been a lifeline for lakhs of farmers in Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Cuddalore districts,” he stated. “Any delay disrupts the entire farming calendar and causes unnecessary hardship to the agrarian community.”
The TMC chief pointed out that the southwest monsoon has been active over the Cauvery catchment areas in Karnataka. Recent reports indicate that water storage levels in the Mettur dam are currently adequate to meet the initial requirements for the Kuruvai season, which typically runs from June to September.
Water Management and Farmer Sentiment
Vasan’s demand reflects growing anxiety among farmer associations, who have already begun mobilising for a timely release. The Kuruvai season is particularly sensitive because it relies entirely on assured irrigation from the Mettur reservoir. Without water by mid-June, farmers miss the optimal window for transplantation of paddy seedlings.
“The government must not treat this as a routine administrative matter,” Vasan added. “It is a matter of survival for small and marginal farmers. We request Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the Water Resources Department to issue the order for release on June 12 itself.”
The former Union Minister also urged the state government to closely monitor the water flow and ensure equitable distribution across all command areas. He warned that any deviation from the schedule could lead to protests and unrest in the delta region.
Political Implications and Government Response
The demand also carries political weight, coming from a key ally of the ruling DMK coalition. Vasan’s TMC is part of the Secular Progressive Alliance, and his public appeal signals that the issue is gaining urgency even within the ruling combine.
Meanwhile, the Tamil Nadu government has not yet made an official announcement regarding the specific date for the Mettur dam opening. However, officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) have indicated that a decision will be taken after assessing the storage level and rainfall patterns in the coming days.
Typically, the state government releases water from Mettur in phases. The first phase—usually around June 12—is for the Kuruvai crop, followed by a second phase for the Samba season later in the year.
A Critical Juncture for Delta Agriculture
Agriculture experts note that the timely release on June 12 is not just a tradition but a scientific necessity. The Kuruvai paddy requires specific climatic conditions and a fixed 105–120 day growing cycle. Any delay beyond the first week of June reduces yield potential significantly.
In the past, disputes over water sharing with Karnataka and lower-than-expected rainfall have led to delayed releases, causing losses running into crores of rupees for delta farmers. This year, with the monsoon showing promise, stakeholders are hopeful that the state will stick to the calendar.
Conclusion
As June 12 approaches, all eyes are on the Tamil Nadu government’s decision regarding the Mettur dam. G.K. Vasan’s public plea underscores the importance of this date for the state’s agricultural economy and food security. With farmer livelihoods hanging in the balance, a prompt and positive response from the administration will go a long way in ensuring a stable start to the Kuruvai season and maintaining harmony in the Cauvery delta region.