Tamil Nadu CM Vijay opened the gates of the Mettur Dam on Tuesday for irrigation in the Cauvery Delta districts. While traveling to Salem, he visited the home of an elderly woman named Chellam in Chinnagavur.
Vijay spoke with Chellam and asked about her well-being. During the conversation, he took off his Dior sunglasses and gave them to Chellam. They are reportedly worth around ₹40,000.
Chellam put on the sunglasses and greeted him, saying that she was surprised to see Vijay suddenly standing in front of her. Vijay appeared to her like a film hero.
Vijay asked her whether she had eaten. Chellam said that she had been waiting for him. Vijay told her to eat and said that he himself had already eaten.
CM Vijay opened the Mettur Dam gates for irrigation on Tuesday.
Vijay met with villagers and gave them clothes.
After putting on sunglasses, Chellam greeted people alongside CM Vijay.
Stopped for 15 Minutes, Met Farmers
This visit by Vijay was not planned in advance. While traveling from Mettur to the airport, he stopped near a field and met elderly women. Vijay visited farmer Palanisamy’s cattle shed and spoke with the people.
He gave a sari to Chellam and silk dhotis and saris to the farmers. Videos and photos of the 15-minute visit went viral on social media.
She said that if anyone harmed Vijay, she would defend him. Chellam did not discuss her personal difficulties. According to reports, she has a ration card issue and is unable to work because of her age.
Mettur Dam Water Level Crosses 90 Feet, Water Released
Vijay released water from the Mettur Dam for irrigation. The gates were opened after the water level rose above 90 feet. Due to low rainfall and reduced water flow in the Cauvery, water was released late this time.
Vijay arrived in Chennai from Salem by plane and traveled to Mettur by road. People welcomed him along the way. He was given a guard of honor at the dam. He then opened eight gates to release water and offered flowers to the Cauvery River.
Initially, 3,000 cusecs of water is being released. Farmers have been asked to use the water according to their needs.
Farmers in 12 districts to benefit; electricity will also be generated
The dam’s water is expected to reach farmland in around 12 districts of the Cauvery delta. This could meet the irrigation needs of farmers and the water requirements of some areas.
Some farmers say that releasing water for 45 days will not be sufficient for the entire crop. Ensuring water for the full season remains a challenge.
Electricity generation at the dam also began along with the water release. 460 megawatts of electricity is being generated here.
After the program, Vijay viewed a photo exhibition related to the construction of the dam. He also gathered information from officials and farmers about irrigation and agricultural problems.
