PWD did not carry out maintenance works at the regulator across the Coleroon: K. Balakrishnan

Blaming the State government for the collapse of the regulator at Mukkombu, CPI(M) State secretary K. Balakrishnan on Tuesday said the AIADMK regime had failed to deliver on water management.

Speaking to reporters after inspecting the damaged portion of the regulator at Mukkombu along with T.K. Rengarajan, MP, the senior Communist leader said the Public Works department, which was supposed to take pre- and post-monsoon inspection of dams and regulators, had failed to carry out maintenance works at the regulator across the Coleroon at Mukkombu.

Considering the age of the structure, more attention should have been paid to detection of defects. The incident could have been averted had the authorities checked the regulator before opening the sluices to let surplus water into the Coleroon.

Mr. Balakrishnan said the State had no physical infrastructure to save surplus water from the Cauvery. There was sustained heavy inflow from the Mettur dam for more than six weeks. But several tmc of water drained into the sea. It could have been used well had the State constructed additional check dams and other infrastructure. It proved that the State had no efficient water management policy and it had failed to deliver goods on the front.

Despite the sustained flow in the Cauvery and full level in the Mettur dam, water did not reach various tail-end areas of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts.

The agricultural operations had gained momentum in various parts. But the farmers were facing acute shortage of water. The State government should take effective steps to step up water supply, he said.