After 64 years of service, Octogenarian Mohanakrishnan retires after serving as TN WRD advisor

Chennai:

After serving Tamil Nadu government for more than 64 years, A Mohanakrishnan advisor on water resources for the Tamil Nadu government retired on Monday.

Public Works Minister K V Ramalingam and Public Works Department secretary M Saikumar felicitated Mohanakrishnan during the occasion.

Later speaking during the occasion, Mohanakrishnan said that he joined on June 24, 1948 and had been serving the government in various roles. He steps down from the office in the wake of state mounting pressure on Centre and insisting that the final order of the Cauvery Tribunal be notified considering the withering crops in her state.

A senior official told Express that the fate of nine to 10 lakh acres of paddy crop, which is essential to food security of the nation, hinges on the Cauvery water which is to be released by Karnataka.

Due to lack of proper rainfall, the farmers are solely dependent on the Cauvery water, said the official, adding that the state has demanded 18tmc feet of water. The Supreme Court is to hear the case on January 2013.

Talking about his experience, Mohanakrishnan recounted his experience of his first job and the work culture prevalent at that time.

The 86-year-old said due to his physical inability he could not continue in his post but is available at any time.