Despite farmers' opposition, TN CM to pursue bilateral talks with Karnataka on Cauvery

Chennai : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay is keen on engaging neighbouring Karnataka in bilateral talks to resolve the long-standing Cauvery river water-sharing dispute, despite strong opposition from the farmers who have asked the government to call off the talks, an official source said on Tuesday.

Amidst a severe shortage of water afflicting the state, especially the Cauvery delta districts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam, marring the prospects of raising the short-term Kuruvai paddy crop, and with the customary opening of the Mettur dam on June 12 getting postponed due to inadequate water storage level, the famers have demanded the state government to explore legal options against Karnataka rather than hold diplomatic talks.