Chennai: AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami and AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran on Monday accused chief minister C Joseph Vijay of gross negligence and administrative paralysis in protecting the state’s rights over Cauvery waters.They criticised Vijay’s govt for leaving the post of vice-chairman of Cauvery Technical Committee vacant for more than four months. Palaniswami likened the administration to a toy in the hands of “playful children” and urged the CM to shed his “frivolous attitude”. Govt’s failure to act swiftly, especially in the face of Karnataka’s defiant stance on Mekedatu dam, endangers the food and drinking water security of TN’s farmers, he said.Likening the state’s inaction to sleeping longer than the mythological character Kumbhakarna, Palaniswami demanded immediate filling of all vacant posts in the technical wing to present the state’s case before Cauvery Water Management Authority.Echoing similar concerns, Dhinakaran slammed TVK govt’s “lethargic approach” and questioned its commitment to protecting the state’s rights and upholding the interests of its farmers. He pointed out that despite issuing a govt order four months ago, the administration hasn’t appointed a qualified expert to the technical committee. It raises serious doubts about its administrative efficiency, he said.Dhinakaran said the technical committee plays a vital role in monitoring inflows across key river systems. Further delay could cause a major setback to the state’s agricultural livelihoods, he added.
