CHENNAI: The TVK government on Wednesday asserted that it would safeguard Tamil Nadu’s rightful share of inter-state river waters and protect its water-sharing interests.Presenting the budget, finance minister N Marie Wilson said the government would pursue raising the water level in the Mullaperiyar dam, implementing the Anaimalaiyar and Nallar dam projects, and expediting the Godavari-Cauvery river-linking project to strengthen long-term water security and support farmers.

The government would ensure timely release of Cauvery water in accordance with agreements, tribunal awards and judicial directions, he said.“Tamil Nadu’s water rights would be protected through sustained legal, technical and administrative efforts, including opposition to projects that may affect the state’s entitlements, such as the Mekedatu project,” Wilson said.

The minister alleged that river-linking projects announced by previous governments had progressed slowly, affecting growth in agricultural productivity.The government also expressed concern over pollution in the Cauvery, Vaigai and Thamirabharani rivers due to the discharge of untreated industrial effluents and domestic sewage, besides the dumping of solid waste. To restore the rivers, it will allocate Rs 25 crore for detailed feasibility studies and preparation of project reports. The proposed measures include setting up sewage and effluent treatment plants, comprehensive solid-waste management in rural and urban areas along the rivers, riverfront development in urban centres and river-surface cleaning.