Centre must constitute Cauvery board for fair water distribution: DMK

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], Oct. 18 (ANI): The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday urged the Centre to constitute a Cauvery management board to ensure fair water distribution between the states of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. DMK leader T K S Elangovan said, "It is the duty of the Government of India to form the Cauvery management board after not obeying the tribunal order, because the tribunal order is equivalent to the order of the Supreme Court." "There should be a management board to decide how the distribution should be made with the available water. The agitation was a successful one which showed the Government of India that the people of Tamil Nadu are united," he added. Various farmers' organisations and opposition parties yesterday staged a protest in various parts of the Tamil Nadu, demanding the constitution of a Cauvery board. The protests were held against the stance of BJP-led NDA government in the Supreme Court which opposed the immediate setting up of the board. Thousands of protestors participated in rail roko demonstrations, courted arrest and were lodged in the community and marriage halls. Police said they were likely to be released later today. The protestors yesterday began a 48-hour rail blockade demanding the constitution of a Cauvery board. (ANI)