Keralam has proposed the meeting on Nov 9 or 13. Thrissur: A meeting of the Joint Water Regulation Board (JWRB), comprising officials from Keralam and Tamil Nadu , is likely to be convened amid concerns that Keralam hasn’t received its full and rightful share of water from the Sholayar system.
“In the current water year, we have received approximately 185Mm³ of water so far, between July 1 and Oct 6. We are still due to receive an additional 160Mm³. A shortfall in rainfall, therefore, cannot be cited as an alibi for denying Keralam its legitimate share of water,” said council leader S P Ravi.
The state must ensure that all water flowing into TN Sholayar (Upper Sholayar) dam, including water diverted from Nirar, is released into Kerala m Sholayar until Keralam’s allocated share is met,” he said.
Irrigation minister Mons Joseph told TOI that under the protocol governing the interstate agreement, Keralam is responsible for convening the next JWRB meeting. The decision was taken at a meeting attended by Chalakudy MLA Saneesh Kumar Joseph, Chittur MLA Sumesh Achuthan, Nemmara MLA K Preman and senior officials of Keralam’s irrigation department, said the minister. However, Sholayar reservoir currently holds only about 50Mm³ of water,” the MLA said. Echoing the concerns, Chalakudy River Protection Council said Keralam had the first claim to water from Sholayar and Chitturpuzha. The water level in Chalakudy river would drastically dip in the coming weeks if Tamil Nadu doesn’t release water from Upper Sholayar to Kerala Sholayar, according to him.
Saneesh Kumar has submitted representations to the irrigation minister and chief minister V D Satheesan, urging the state govt to take immediate steps to prevent Tamil Nadu from diverting water from Upper Sholayar reservoir until Keralam receives its entire allocated share. “Keralam should get its share first and Tamil Nadu can claim only the yield in excess of Keralam’s entitlement, even in years of deficient rainfall. Ravi alleged that Tamil Nadu had already diverted a substantial volume of water from TN Sholayar Dam to Parambikulam, in violation of the agreement. “They are continuing to divert water to Parambikulam.
He said the date would be finalised in consultation with Tamil Nadu officials on Monday.