New Delhi: The Supreme Court has asked the Karnataka Government to continue complying with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) order on the release
of Cauvery river water to Tamil Nadu. The top court directed Tamil Nadu to submit an affidavit responding to Karnataka’s objections within a week. The matter will next be heard on October 12.
The latest development comes amid an intensifying dispute between the two states over water availability in the Cauvery basin. Karnataka has opposed the CWMA direction, citing reduced inflows, depleted reservoir levels and drought conditions across parts of the state.
Karnataka cites drought and drinking water concerns
The Karnataka Government told the Supreme Court that inadequate rainfall has affected water inflows into its reservoirs. According to the state’s submissions, storage in its Cauvery basin reservoirs is significantly lower than during the corresponding period last year.
The state has also highlighted concerns over drinking water availability during the coming summer months. Karnataka has argued that releasing additional water under the CWMA order could put pressure on supplies needed for drinking water, agriculture, industry and ecological requirements.
The state has therefore sought dismissal of Tamil Nadu’s plea for additional water, maintaining that compliance with the release order is difficult under prevailing drought conditions.
Tamil Nadu seeks implementation of water release order
Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, has argued that it is facing a serious water shortage of its own. The state told the court that water is required to support around 4.5 lakh acres of crops and alleged that Karnataka has not fully complied with the CWMA directions.
Tamil Nadu also submitted that farmers had already suffered losses from inadequate water availability during an earlier crop season. Its counsel urged the court to ensure implementation of the existing water-sharing framework and release of water in accordance with the applicable directions.
The Supreme Court has now asked Tamil Nadu to respond formally to Karnataka’s objections. The next hearing on October 12 is expected to provide further clarity on the competing claims over Cauvery water allocation.
