CPI plea to TN Govt on Cauvery

Chennai, Jan 25 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) today urged the Tamil Nadu Government to take steps for setting up Cauvery River Valley Authority to ensure implementation of the final award of the Cauvery River Water Disputes Tribunal.

Participating in a debate on the motion of thanks to the Governor's address in the State Assembly, CPI Legislature Party Leader V Sivapunniyam cited reports the Tribunal was scheduled to give its final award on February 5.

''However, it could not be considered as a matter of joy as Karnataka had earlier not honoured the Tribunal's interim award, directing it to release 205 tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu every year,'' he noted.

The State Government should urge the Centre to set up Cauvery River Valley Authority to ensure the implementation of the final award. ''If no such step is taken, there is no guarantee that the Karnataka Government will honour the Tribunal's award,'' he said.

Mr Sivapunniyam also urged the government to implead itself in a PIL before the Supreme Court for interlinking of rivers in the country.

As the Apex Court had issued a notice to the Centre in the matter, the Tamil Nadu Government should explore the possibility of impleading itself in the case and put forth its suggestions, he said.

UNI