Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s proposed visit to Bengaluru on August 3 has drawn public attention to similar diplomatic efforts undertaken by the State in the mid-1980s to secure the release of Cauvery water from Karnataka during periods of water scarcity.
Historical records indicate that in January and February of 1986 and 1987, then Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.G. Ramachandran (MGR) deputed State ministers to Bengaluru to meet Karnataka Chief Minister Ramakrishna Hegde and other senior officials. The objective of those visits was to persuade Karnataka to release Cauvery water to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s long-term samba paddy cultivation.
Although the State did not receive the full quantity of water it had sought, the diplomatic engagements reportedly resulted in the release of some water, providing partial relief to farmers.
Vijay’s upcoming visit comes amid renewed concerns over Cauvery water sharing and follows recent directions by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) regarding water releases. The visit is expected to focus on inter-state discussions aimed at addressing the current water-sharing issues between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
