Is the TN BJP President Right to Blame the DMK Govt for the Water Crisis in Usilampatti?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Nainar Nagenthiran criticizes the DMK government for neglecting water needs.
- Water has not been released from Vaigai dam despite high levels.
- 110 villages face severe water shortages affecting agriculture and livestock.
- Protests are escalating as communities demand government action.
- The BJP pledges to fight for the rights of the people in Tamil Nadu.
Chennai, Aug 19 (NationPress) Tamil Nadu BJP president Nainar Nagenthiran has criticized the ruling DMK government for its apparent neglect of the residents of Usilampatti. He highlighted that the government has failed to release water from the Vaigai dam for the crucial 58-village canal scheme, even though the dam is filled beyond the necessary capacity.
In a pointed statement, Nagenthiran expressed that the DMK administration seems more focused on superficial publicity campaigns than on fulfilling the urgent needs of the citizens.
He elaborated that typically, once the water level in the Vaigai dam surpasses 69 feet, water is released for the canal project that supports over 50,000 individuals, 2,336 acres of agricultural land, and livestock.
Despite the dam exceeding this threshold and two flood warnings being issued, there has been no release of water.
"This inaction has left 110 villages grappling with a severe shortage of drinking water, irrigation, and resources for cattle rearing," Nagenthiran warned, suggesting that the DMK government’s indifference is forcing the populace into acute drought conditions.
He noted the rising discontent among the people, stating that farmers and the BJP have united in protests demanding the immediate release of water, while local businesses have also initiated shutdown strikes.
"Despite ongoing demonstrations, the DMK administration appears unresponsive, prioritizing political propaganda instead," he accused.
Nagenthiran further criticized the government, contrasting the increasing liquor revenues from TASMAC outlets with the declining availability of water for essential needs.
"In the last four years, liquor sales have surged, while the supply of drinking and irrigation water has steadily decreased. This reflects the true record of the DMK's so-called 'model governance'," he stated.
The BJP leader pledged to persist in addressing the issue, asserting that the party will collaborate with the community to overthrow the DMK's misrule and protect Tamil Nadu's water resources.
"We will safeguard the lifelines of the state and ensure the livelihoods of the people are secure," he added.
In recent weeks, the demand for water release has escalated in southern Tamil Nadu, with farming communities anxious about potential crop losses if irrigation is further postponed.
The BJP's involvement adds significant political weight to the ongoing protests, which are likely to intensify if the government does not act promptly.