Water release to LBP Canal was illegal, alleges Kalingarayan farmers’ body

The release of water from the Bhavanisagar dam to the Lower Bhavani Project (LBP) Canal as a special supply was illegal and violated the rules governing water sharing in the Cauvery basin, the Kalingarayan Farmers and Workers’ Welfare Association has alleged. The release, which began on August 15, was stopped on Tuesday.

In a statement, the association said water was released from 5 p.m. on August 15 on the instructions of the District Collector, without a separate Government Order. It alleged that 2 tmc ft of water was drawn from the Kundah and Pykara hydel project reservoirs to provide a special wetting to the LBP Canal. According to the association, water from the two reservoirs could be drawn for the LBP ayacut only during periods of shortage affecting the first and second crop seasons.