Chennai, June 2: With only ten days remaining until the anticipated water release from the Mettur dam on June 12, farmers in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Delta are increasingly worried about the slow and inconsistent progress of desilting operations, which are crucial for effective water management during the Kuruvai cultivation season.

Local farmer associations estimate that merely 40 to 50 percent of the necessary desilting has been accomplished. Farmers claim that the work is being executed selectively, favoring regions with political ties while neglecting essential irrigation channels.

“It appears that officials prioritize political recommendations over the actual needs of the farmers,” stated Eraharam Swaminathan, president of the Pazhavaru Ayakattar Association. “Many C to G category channels are overlooked under the guise of insufficient funding, despite their importance to numerous small-scale farmers.”

He highlighted the Kandagarayam canal in Thanjavur, a B-category irrigation channel, as a case of administrative neglect. “It has not been desilted for five years, even though it services over 1,500 acres,” he remarked.

In light of the growing criticism, an anonymous official from the Water Resources Department (WRD) acknowledged the difficulties but defended the department's actions.

“Desilting is being conducted in phases, with priority given based on the size of the command area and available budget. We aim to maximize coverage before June 12,” the official explained.

Nevertheless, farmers remain skeptical. “In Ammaiyagaram and other areas, the quality of work is lacking,” noted A.R. Manikantan, a farmer leader. “Contractors receive payments before the work is finished, leading to inferior results. We demand transparency and accountability.”

Thanjavur District Collector Dinesh Ponraj Oliver stated that regular inspections are being conducted. “All field engineers have been directed to expedite the work. We are collaborating with the WRD to ensure that major irrigation channels are desilted prior to the Mettur release,” he said.

Farmers have warned of potential protests if conditions do not improve. “We are not asking for favors; we are requesting timely action to protect our livelihoods,” Swaminathan emphasized.

As the Kuruvai season approaches, the urgency for completed desilting has become critical throughout the Delta. Farmers are urging the state government to take direct action to guarantee fair and efficient desilting before the water is released.