A farmers' association in Tamil Nadu has urged the state government to invite Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to visit the Cauvery delta districts and witness the worsening water crisis firsthand.
The appeal comes as several parts of the delta, including Tiruchirappalli, face severe shortages of water, raising fears of drought and affecting both agriculture and drinking water supplies.
According to the farmers' body, a visit by Karnataka's leadership would provide a clearer understanding of the real-time impact of delayed Cauvery water releases on thousands of farming families and residents who depend on the river. They believe that seeing the ground situation could encourage more constructive dialogue between the two neighbouring states over water sharing.
The Cauvery River is the lifeline of Tamil Nadu's delta region, supporting irrigation, drinking water needs, and groundwater recharge. Traditionally, water is released from the Mettur Dam around June 12 for irrigation in the delta.
However, no irrigation release has been made so far this year, leaving paddy fields dry and disrupting farming activities during a crucial cultivation season.
The situation has become particularly alarming in Tiruchirappalli, where the Cauvery and Kollidam rivers two major sources of drinking water have witnessed a sharp decline in water levels. The Tiruchirappalli City Corporation is reportedly facing a daily shortfall of nearly 15 million litres of drinking water due to reduced river flow.
Residents say poor rainfall and rapidly depleting groundwater have made the situation even more difficult. Many fear that if adequate water is not released soon, Tamil Nadu could face drought-like conditions in the coming months.
TN: Tiruchirappalli on banks of Cauvery on the verge of drought, residents seek govt action.
— News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) July 30, 2026
Typically, the dam is opened on June 12 to release water for irrigation in the delta, which also supports drinking water needs and helps recharge groundwater.
However, with no water… pic.twitter.com/b6KJndkPCZ
In several areas, water is now being supplied only on alternate days, while evening water supply has already been suspended in parts of Srirangam to conserve available resources.
Local residents have appealed to the Tamil Nadu government to hold urgent discussions with Karnataka, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), and the Central government to resolve the issue. They have also requested that pending water infrastructure projects, including check dams, be made operational to improve water availability for the public.
Farmers' organisations stressed that their demand is not political but humanitarian. They say the issue goes beyond agriculture, affecting drinking water, rural livelihoods, and the region's overall economy.
Inviting D.K. Shivakumar to the Cauvery delta, they argue, would allow him to directly witness the hardships faced by people due to inadequate water availability.
Municipal officials believe that increasing the release of drinking water from the Mettur Dam beyond the current level could help ease the crisis.
As uncertainty over monsoon rainfall continues, residents and farmers alike hope for an early resolution that ensures sufficient water for both irrigation and daily needs.
For the people of the Cauvery delta, timely water release is not merely an administrative issue it is essential for protecting crops, securing drinking water, and sustaining livelihoods across the region.
