The Tamil Nadu government would face tough time this season in saving the kuruvai crops that is dependent on the Cauvery water.

With the Mettur level dipping below 50 feet, the government is in a tight spot to release water on the stiputated day, June 12.

The water level in dam stood at 47.23 feet today.

According to PWD officials water could be released when the level reached around 90 feet. “As Karnataka is facing drought, it is unlikely to release water at this point of time,” an official remarked.

Every year Thanjavur, Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts produce 25 lakh tonnes paddy. Of the total farm area in the Delta region, five lakh acres kuruvai are cultivated in these three districts alone.

The president of Cauvery Delta Farmers Welfare Association, S. Ranganathan, feared severe water scarcity during the kuruvai season. “For the time being we can use ground water for paddy planting. The crops would go dry if water is not released on time,” he said.

“Though Karnataka released only 139 tmcft water last year we manged as we had good rains that saved our kuruvai and samba crops,” he added.