AP’s move on check dam a violation of 1892 Madras-Mysore pact: Jayalalithaa

Jayalalithaa said in her earlier letter to N Chandrababu Naidu that Palar was one of the rivers mentioned in Schedule-A, annexed to the Madras-Mysore pact. “As per the agreement, the upstream state should not, without the consent of the downstream state of Tamil Nadu, build any dam or structure to obstruct, divert or store the waters of 15 rivers”, she pointed out. 

The 1892 agreement on Palar river water sharing is applicable between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh since the boundary line in Palar basin between Madras Presidency and Mysore kingdom is now part of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.

In its petition in the apex court, Tamil Nadu has sought a permanent injunction against the newly bifurcated Andhra Pradesh from building check dams and diversion structures meant to draw precious drinking water away from the parched areas of Tamil Nadu. The river, which originates in the Nandhi Durg Hills in Karnataka, flows through Vellore and Kancheepuram districts of Tamil Nadu before falling into the Bay of Bengal. Before reaching Tamil Nadu, the river flows for 33 km in Andhra Pradesh. 

Though the three riparian States of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh (before bifurcation) and Tamil Nadu were in compliance of the 1892 water-sharing pact, things started turning sour for Tamil Nadu when Andhra Pradesh started increasing the height of the check dam, she said, adding, following this her government has moved the Supreme Court, she said.

Announcing a solatium of Rs 3 lakh to the family of farmer, who slipped from the check dam and fell into Palar river and drowned, Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa expressed her deep condolences to the family members of Srinivasan. She said the relief would be given to the family from the CM’s Public Relief Fund.