Tamil Nadu faces a critical juncture as standing paddy crops in the delta districts require immediate irrigation. Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami has urged the state government to open the Mettur Dam for agricultural needs, highlighting the potential loss of harvest. Farmers have voiced their concerns through protests, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Current Situation and Opposition's Plea
The release of water from the Mettur Dam for irrigation typically ceases on January 28. Currently, the dam is releasing only about 2,000 cusecs for drinking water purposes. This has led to sporadic farmer protests across the delta regions. On Sunday, February 8, 2026, Edappadi K. Palaniswami directly called for the dam's gates to be opened to sustain the standing paddy crop, which he stated requires water for approximately 20 more days. He also suggested that this action would ensure good paddy production for the state.
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Recent Weather Events and Crop Impact
Recent heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, particularly in the delta districts like Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, and Mayiladuthurai, has impacted standing crops. A deep depression intensified into a cyclonic storm on November 27, 2024, bringing very heavy to extremely heavy rain to several coastal areas. While these rains might have initially seemed beneficial, the extended need for controlled irrigation from the Mettur Dam points to a complex interplay of water management challenges.
Historical Context and Palaniswami's Stance
Edappadi K. Palaniswami, in his capacity as Leader of Opposition and AIADMK general secretary, has a history of advocating for farmers' interests. During the AIADMK's previous tenure, water releases from Mettur Dam were a key issue, with Palaniswami himself overseeing water releases for irrigation in July 2018. At that time, the dam's water level was high due to rains in Karnataka, allowing for a release of 20,000 cusecs. Palaniswami has also made past demands for increased government financial aid to families, such as urging an enhancement of the Pongal gift hamper to Rs 5,000, framing such measures as a sign of government concern. He has also previously called for proactive, wartime-like measures from the government in anticipation of heavy rainfall, emphasizing public safety.
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Economic Considerations and Political Rhetoric
In his recent statement, Palaniswami also alluded to the state government's borrowing, stating the DMK government had borrowed around Rs 5 lakh crores in the last five years. This remark serves to contrast the current government's fiscal management with that of the AIADMK, implying potential implications for development and welfare schemes. He has previously stated that if the AIADMK returns to power, they will ensure lakes are filled and farmers are not "betrayed."
Key Events and Evidence
January 28, 2026: Usual date for the cessation of irrigation water release from Mettur Dam.
February 8, 2026: Edappadi K. Palaniswami publicly urges the Tamil Nadu government to reopen the Mettur Dam for irrigation.
November 27, 2024: A deep depression intensified into a cyclonic storm, bringing heavy rains to Tamil Nadu's coastal districts.
July 19, 2018: Edappadi K. Palaniswami, then Chief Minister, authorized the release of 20,000 cusecs of water from Mettur Dam for irrigation.
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The current demand for water suggests that the rainfall in late 2024 may not have sufficiently replenished dam levels for the entire irrigation cycle, or that downstream water needs have not been met through natural precipitation alone.
Is the current water release from the Mettur Dam sufficient to meet the projected needs for the standing crop's final growth phase?
Analysis of Claims
Edappadi K. Palaniswami's demand centers on the immediate need to save the standing paddy crop. His reference to the crop requiring water for an additional 20 days is a specific claim about the agricultural timeline. The AIADMK leader's call is framed within his broader critique of the current state government's economic policies and perceived lack of concern for farmers. The comparison to past actions, such as the water release in 2018, serves to establish a precedent and highlight his party's commitment to agricultural welfare.
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The timing of Palaniswami's statement, following the usual irrigation water cut-off and amid ongoing farmer concerns, places direct pressure on the Tamil Nadu government to respond. The inclusion of comments regarding state debt adds a political dimension to the water dispute, linking resource management to fiscal responsibility.
Conclusion and Implications
The appeal by Edappadi K. Palaniswami brings the issue of Mettur Dam water management to the forefront of public discourse in Tamil Nadu. The standing paddy crop in the delta districts is facing a critical need for irrigation, as articulated by the opposition leader. The government's response will have direct consequences for agricultural output and farmer livelihoods. The situation highlights the persistent challenges in water resource allocation, especially in balancing the needs of drinking water, agriculture, and environmental factors, further complicated by the timing of rainfall and the operational cycles of major reservoirs like the Mettur Dam. The ongoing political exchanges suggest that water management will remain a significant issue in the state's agricultural and political landscape.
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The Hindu: Reports on Edappadi K. Palaniswami's direct appeal to the Tamil Nadu government regarding the Mettur Dam and standing crops.
Link: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/edappadi-palaniswami-urges-tamil-nadu-government-to-reopen-mettur-dam-to-save-standing-crop-in-delta-districts/article70606894.ece
The New Indian Express: Details Edappadi K. Palaniswami's immediate demand for water release from Mettur Dam to protect paddy crops.
Link: https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/tamil-nadu/2026/Feb/08/eps-urges-tn-government-to-release-mettur-water-immediately-to-save-paddy-in-delta-districts
The Economic Times: Provides information on heavy rainfall and its impact on standing crops in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery delta areas around November 2024.
Link: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/rains-continue-in-tamil-nadu-standing-crops-hit-in-cauvery-delta-areas/articleshow/115732079.ece
The News Minute: Reports on Edappadi K. Palaniswami, as Chief Minister, releasing water from Mettur Dam for irrigation in July 2018.
Link: https://www.thenewsminute.com/tamil-nadu/first-tn-cm-eps-releases-water-mettur-dam-delta-irrigation-85025
