Chennai, Nov 18 (NationPress) The President of Tamil Nadu's BJP, Nainar Nagenthran, has openly condemned the DMK government for its abrupt decision to release excess water from Cholavaram Lake in Tiruvallur district, which has resulted in the submersion of over 50 acres of paddy fields.

In a statement shared on his X handle, Nagenthran criticized the lack of proper prior notification to local farmers before the water release. He expressed that the farmers, who had been poised to harvest their paddy crops in anticipation of the Pongal season, faced devastating losses as their crops were completely flooded.

“The videos reflect such devastation that it's impossible to distinguish between a field, pond, or lake. Our hearts ache for the affected farmers,” he remarked, noting that this calamity has driven many into despair.

The BJP President claimed that the extensive flooding could have been prevented had the government conducted adequate desilting and maintenance of the Cholavaram and Kosasthalaiyar canal systems. He accused the government of misusing funds allocated for stormwater management and waterway improvement projects.

“Had the canals been adequately fortified and cleared in a timely manner, this tragedy would not have occurred,” he stated. Nagenthran criticized the DMK regime for failing to prioritize farmers’ interests, despite its claims of being farmer-friendly. He pointed out that irregularities in fund allocation for drainage works have significantly contributed to the ongoing crisis.

“The DMK has demonstrated a lack of vision and concern for the welfare of Tamil Nadu's farmers through its misappropriation of stormwater drainage funds,” he alleged.

Calling this incident a sign of the State's failing water management, Nagenthran questioned the DMK government's legitimacy to govern. He stated that ongoing disasters reveal the administration’s incompetence and misplaced priorities. He urged Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to allocate a minimum compensation of Rs 10 lakh per acre for farmers affected by the sudden water release as a form of “minimum justice.”

“Even if it’s at the end of his term, the Chief Minister should extend this relief as an acknowledgment of the ongoing injustices faced by farmers,” he added.

Farmers' associations in the area are anticipated to file formal petitions demanding compensation and a thorough investigation into the protocols governing water release that led to this flooding.