Karnataka planning to build check dam across Cauvery, alleges Jaya

Chennai, May 9 (UNI) Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa today alleged that Karnataka was planning to build a check dam across river Cauvery near Hogenekal falls and urged the Tamil Nadu Government to take immediate steps to stop the construction.

In a statement here, the Leader of the Opposition said she had reliable information that Karnataka was seriously planning to build the dam to the west of Hogenekal falls to prevent excess water flowing into Mettur dam during the monsoon season.

Ms Jayalalithaa said Karnataka's move to build the check dam had come at a time when the farmers in Tamil Nadu were disappointed over the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and worried whether the DMK Government would open the Mettur dam on the customary June 12 for irrigation.

Using his influence at the Centre, Chief Minister M Karunanidhi should immediately take up the issue with it. If the Centre failed to take action, the DMK Government should move to the Supreme Court, obtain a stay against the project and allay the fears of farmers, she said.

UNI