The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) met in New Delhi to review the water situation in the Cauvery basin, with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu presenting
their respective positions on river water sharing.
Tamil Nadu urged the committee to ensure the release of its allocated share of Cauvery water. However, Karnataka strongly opposed the request, saying the state is facing an acute water shortage because of poor monsoon rainfall.
Karnataka cites drought
Officials from Karnataka told the committee that reservoirs in the Cauvery basin have received very little inflow this year due to below-normal rainfall.
They explained that June recorded almost no inflow into major reservoirs, while only limited rainfall was received in parts of the state during July. Although the recent showers slightly improved storage levels, officials said the water available must be preserved for essential needs.
The state also informed the committee that there is no clear forecast indicating a significant revival of the southwest monsoon.
Drinking water prioritised
Karnataka maintained that the available water would have to be reserved for drinking purposes until the next monsoon season.
Officials also said farmers within Karnataka are demanding irrigation water but the government has not been able to meet those requests because of the prevailing drought.
According to the state’s submission, even drinking water supplies remain under pressure, making it impossible to release additional water to neighbouring Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu presses demand
Despite Karnataka’s objections, Tamil Nadu continued to insist on receiving its allocated share of Cauvery water for agricultural requirements.
However, officials familiar with the meeting said the CWRC did not issue any specific direction asking Karnataka to immediately release water.
State reviews meeting outcome
Soon after the committee meeting concluded, Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy held discussions with senior officials to review the proceedings and assess the developments.
The Cauvery water-sharing issue remains one of the most sensitive inter-state disputes, particularly during years of weak monsoon rainfall, when both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu depend heavily on reservoir storage for drinking water and agriculture.
