In a setback for Karnataka in the ongoing Cauvery water-sharing dispute, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) on Tuesday directed the state to ensure the release of 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for the next 15 days, starting from 8am on August 12. The water is to be released at the inter-state Biligundlu gauge station.
The direction came after the CWRC reviewed submissions from both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, along with reservoir storage levels, Central Water Commission (CWC) data and a seven-day inflow forecast for the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) and Kabini reservoirs. While issuing the order, the committee said it had adopted a cautious approach in view of the unpredictable weather pattern and the possibility of worsening
El Niño conditions.
During the meeting, Karnataka argued that it was facing severe hydrological distress, stating that inflows into its four Cauvery reservoirs stood at 77.746 TMC, nearly 47 per cent below the 30-year average, and were declining sharply. The state contended that there was no scope for further releases, citing the need to conserve water for drinking purposes, essential needs and agriculture. Karnataka also urged the CWRC to defer any fresh directions until the monsoon situation became clearer.
Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, sought a revision of the earlier CWRC direction to release 3,500 cusecs for 15 days, arguing that the quantity was not based on a scientific distress-sharing formula. The neighbouring state claimed Karnataka had accumulated a backlog of 21.357 TMC and requested that it be cleared along with its pro-rata entitlement for the rest of August, taking the total release to nearly 37 TMC by the end of the month.
Despite Karnataka’s objections, the CWRC directed the state to ensure flows of 12,000 cusecs at Biligundlu from August 12 for the next 15 days, significantly increasing the quantity compared to the previous order.
Following the CWRC’s move, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who was holding a video conference meeting with officials on other subjects, discussed the fallout of the order. During the meeting, the chief minister informed officials that the committee had ordered Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water and said the state government would take an appropriate decision on the matter.
“Law and order has to be maintained. There should not be any unnecessary incidents. The DC and SP have to take care of it.” He added: “We’re getting rain and there is water, we can’t hold onto the water and keep it. We will release how much ever we can. Farmers have to be educated about it. We are protecting our farmers. We will hold meetings in the next 3-4 days.”
Shivakumar also instructed the Mandya deputy commissioner and superintendent of police to remain vigilant and ensure that law and order is maintained in the district in view of the sensitive nature of the Cauvery issue. He said necessary measures had already been taken to protect the interests of farmers and appealed to all stakeholders to act responsibly.
He asked district officials to immediately inform the government about any local issues arising out of the CWRC order, assuring them that he would personally monitor the situation and gather all relevant information before taking further steps.
