Cauvery Water Management Authority expenditure is shared by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry: DMK

CHENNAI: DMK leader

S Durai Murugan

on Thursday criticised the

PWD

secretary for releasing a statement supporting the Centre's decision to transfer the

Cauvery Water Management Authority

to Union jal shakti ministry.

In a statement, Durai Murugan, who was the PWD minister during the DMK regime, condemned the AIADMK government for supporting the Centre's decision.

“The authority was set up after a very long fight between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. A 2018 order says that the business of the authority will be decided by authority itself and it will also appoint its members, secretary and other office bearers,” said Durai Murugan.

The PWD secretary has also mentioned that it is an administrative action, a usual practice to disburse salaries and other administrative work. There is no change in the functions and powers of the authority or Cauvery water regulation committee.

“The secretary is not aware that Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Puducherry which share the salary expenditure of the authority. While Tamil Nadu and Karnataka provide 40% each, Kerala and Puducherry give 15% and 5% respectively. And this is being mentioned in the order itself," said Durai Murugan.

“As mentioned by DMK president M K Stalin and other political party leaders, the Tamil Nadu government must immediately pass a resolution against the Centre's decision,” said Durai Murugan.