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March 10, 2005

This is no economics!!

The Veeranam project is jinxed, be it old or new. It’s always at the thick of controversies ever since it was conceptualised. The critics say that the project is not viable but the government says its viable.

Now there is a new controversy brewing up in the Veeranam belt for the Chennai Water Supply Augmentation Project-I (New Veeranam Project) in form of farmers and other local folks protesting against the drawal of water from the Veeranam lake as well as from the deep borewells. They claim that it will have a serious consequences on the water table in those areas and the Veeranam lake might get dried up because of the withdrawals which will take away their livelihood.

Here is the twist. I don’t see any demonstration whatsoever in Chennai against people at Panruti-Cuddalore who are refusing to give water to Chennai. However, there is such an outcry every time Mettur Dam dries up and Karnataka refuses to release waters from its reservoirs irrespective of whether there is any water in those reservoirs. One more twist. Where does the water come from for Veeranam lake? Yes it’s from Karnataka and Mettur dam.

What happened to celluloid world and politicians who were all up in arms when the Cauveri issue erupted last time? Isn’t Kollyhood part of Chennai? Why aren’t they agitating for Chennai’s cause?

This is the problem in our society. Without analysing the cause for the issue, everybody plays into the hands of the politicians. Politicians arm-twist issues to suit their local constituency without bothering about merits of the case or seeking a solution for the issue. Keeping power is paramount as far as the politicians are concerned.

There is no problem when there is plenty, be it water or money, it always an issue only when there is a scarcity. Cauvery issue or for that matter, the Veeranam issue, is not a geo-political issue, it’s a simple issue of, what you call in economics, demand supply mismatch.

Posted by Vasanth at March 10, 2005 12:20 PM

Comments

There is no problem when there is plenty, be it water or money, it always an issue only when there is a scarcity.

Well said Vasanth.

Most often, people tend to be aware of what is happening in some far off land. It’s much more important to know whats happening around us and take steps to improve it.

It’s heartening to know that there are people like you with a high degree of social awareness.


Posted by: Xena at March 10, 2005 04:09 PM