Bengaluru, Jul 29 (PTI) The Karnataka government has decided to file an appeal against the CWRC's direction to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu, Minister Ramalinga Reddy said on Wednesday.
He said the
appeal would be filed before the Cauvery Water Management Authority, as Karnataka was not in a position to release water to the neighbouring state.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee on Tuesday directed Karnataka to ensure a flow of 3,500 cusecs at Biligundlu from July 29 for 15 days, amounting to a release of 4 TMC.
"It will be difficult for us to comply with the CWRC's order, so we have decided to file an appeal. Karnataka government's adviser Sriramaiah has sent us a draft, which has been forwarded to Delhi. Senior Advocate Mohan Katarki will vet it and send it back. Once we receive it, the appeal will be filed today. Our Additional Chief Secretary will file the appeal," Reddy, the state's Water Resources Minister, told reporters after a meeting with officials.
He reiterated that Karnataka was not in a position to release water to Tamil Nadu.
"We are filing an appeal against the CWRC's order before the CWMA. If any challenge has to be made against the CWMA's order, we will have to approach the Supreme Court," he said.
Noting that Karnataka has four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin, the minister said cumulative inflows into them were 65.86 per cent below the 30-year average.
"The four reservoirs currently hold about 46 TMC of water, excluding dead storage. Every month, we require 3.5 TMC to meet the drinking water and other needs of 10 districts from Kodagu to Bengaluru within the Cauvery basin," he said.
Reddy said Tamil Nadu had sufficient water in its reservoirs and faced no shortage of drinking water.
"The Mettur reservoir has about 40 TMC of water. They are seeking water from us because Karnataka has received about 36 TMC of inflows into its reservoirs during this monsoon," he said.
Asked whether Karnataka would adopt a different line of argument before the CWMA than it had before the CWRC, Reddy said the state's stand would remain unchanged.
"Nothing. If there are rains in the interim, water levels will increase. That's all," he said.
"The CWRC has directed the release of water based on the distress-sharing formula. We have received only 36 TMC of inflows into our four reservoirs this monsoon, and the order may have been based on that. But Karnataka is facing a shortage, whereas Tamil Nadu has adequate water in the Mettur reservoir and no drinking water issues," he said.
He said the government could consider releasing water if rainfall improved and inflows increased, expressing hope for good rains in late July and early August.
Rejecting the BJP's allegation that the government had failed to effectively present Karnataka's case before the CWRC, Reddy said the state's arguments had been presented effectively.
"Sriramaiah has been the state government's adviser for nearly three decades, irrespective of whether the BJP or the Congress was in power. Senior Advocate Mohan Katarki has also represented Karnataka for many years," he said.
Dismissing allegations that Karnataka had already released water to Tamil Nadu as "false", Reddy said the quantum of water flowing into the neighbouring state was monitored at Biligundlu, a centrally monitored gauging station on the Cauvery.
"Whether it is the CWRC, the CWMA or the monitoring station at Biligundlu, all records are maintained by the Centre. The quantity of water flowing into Tamil Nadu is measured every hour, and the data is shared with the Centre," he said.
Accusing the BJP of making allegations because it was in the opposition, Reddy said Karnataka was required to release 9.8 TMC in June, 31 TMC in July and 45 TMC in August, but had so far released only 3.55 TMC.
Responding to a question on the Mekedatu project, Reddy said there was no legal hurdle to constructing the dam.
"The miscellaneous application filed by Tamil Nadu in 2025 was rejected by the court. The interlocutory application (IA) filed subsequently was also dismissed in 2026. More recently, replying to Anbumani Ramadoss in the Rajya Sabha, the Centre stated that Karnataka does not require the consent of neighbouring states to take up the Mekedatu project.
"We are sending the DPR to the Centre after making minor changes. Thereafter, we will identify alternate land to compensate for the forest area that will be submerged and take a decision in the Cabinet," he added.
Mekedatu is a multi-purpose project (drinking water and power) proposed by Karnataka, involving the construction of a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Bengaluru South district.
Tamil Nadu opposes the project, fearing it would adversely affect the state's interests.
Asked whether discussions with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay would be possible during his expected visit to Bengaluru on August 3, Reddy said there was no clarity on the purpose of the visit, though it could be related to the Cauvery issue.
On protests by activists and organisations, Reddy said there would have been reason to protest had the government decided to release water.
"We have made it clear that we are filing an appeal and not releasing water," he said. PTI KSU SSK
