Stop Karnataka from diverting water

KRISHNAGIRI: Farmers attached to the Tamizhaga Vivsaiygal Sangam (TVS) on Wednesday urged the state government to prevent Karnataka from diverting water from the Thenpenniyar river alleging that the move would cause severe water shortage in five districts of TN. In an emergency meeting on Wednesday in Savalur village, TVS state secretary K M Ramagounder said a new plan chalked out by the Karnataka government to divert water from the Varathur lake — situated across the Thenpenniyar river — to 200 lakes in the Kolar Gold Fields area would severely affect irrigation in five districts. The Thenpenniyar, which originates from the Nandi hills in Karnataka, flows into Tamil Nadu through Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram and Cuddallore districts, he said adding that Karnataka had already been drawing water from the river in the Elamallappachetty lake through three 360 horse power motors, diverting it to the Osakotta lake in Karnataka through small lakes like Irrenehalli, Medhalli and Veerajonahalli. Farmers’ forums have tried to take the issue to the notice of the State government several times, but authorities concerned have not visited the spot and on the contrary they have submitted false reports to the government in this regard, he charged. “If the Karnataka government goes ahead with its move, five districts in TN will be severely affected,” he cautioned, urging the State government to act immediately.