TAMIL
Tamil Nadu's water resources
TAMIZHNATTIN NEERVALAMUM EDHIRKALAMUM: N. Natarajan; Tamil Nadu Cauvery Delta Neerpasana Vilaiporutkal Vivasayigal Nala Urimai Padhukappu Sangam, Thanjavur, and Cauvery Delta Farmers' Welfare Association, Tiruchi. Rs. 75.
THE RECENT months have seen the release of a good number of publications in Tamil on the water resources in Tamil Nadu. This book is the latest one from the author, a long-standing water expert.
Though he has discussed the statewide position on water resources, he has, rightly, focussed his attention on the Cauvery dispute. He has marshalled all the relevant facts to explain the various dimensions of the problem, which has eluded a lasting solution for decades.
While analysing the dispute, he has not only given the perspective of Tamil Nadu but also that of Karnataka. He has also given a number of suggestions for resolving the dispute which deserve the attention and scrutiny of those in power.
Considering Billigundlu as the reference point, changing the present composition of the Cauvery River Authority by replacing it with a body of technical experts on the lines of the Review Committee of the Narmada Control Authority, and diversion and use of west-flowing rivers in Karnataka are among the ideas floated by him.
He has also mooted a proposal to construct a series of barrages across the Coleroon between the Upper Anicut and the Lower Anicut for harnessing the flow to the Veeranam lake so that the sustainability of the New Veeranam Project can be ensured.
He has strongly argued against the link of Pennar-Cauvery, proposed as part of the interlinking of rivers. Instead of transferring water from the Somasila dam to the Grand Anicut, Alamatti dam in Karnataka, he says, should be linked with a proposed reservoir upstream of Hogenakkal in Tamil Nadu.
More than the various proposals, what is striking about this book is that the author, who is also a technical consultant to the Cauvery Delta Farmers' Welfare Association (Tamil Nadu), has discussed the Cauvery problem free of rancour.
He has not lost sight of the problems of Karnataka and has displayed his concern for that State too. A significant work which will be helpful for understanding the Cauvery dispute.
T. RAMAKRISHNAN
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