Karnataka has been ordered to release 4,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for a period of 15 days, starting September 25. In response, the Karnataka government announced its intention to contest this directive, citing concerns over low inflows and diminishing rainfall affecting its reservoirs.
Karnataka to Challenge Recent Water Decision
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced that the state will appeal against the recent decision regarding water allocation. He highlighted that inflows into reservoirs in the Cauvery catchment have ceased, and rainfall levels have dropped significantly. This situation places the state under considerable pressure concerning its water resources.
Senior advocate C S Vaidyanathan, appearing for Tamil Nadu, argued that the Cauvery Water Management Authority should address the alleged deficit. The court was told that the CWRC reviews the water situation every 15 days.
He said Karnataka would release water if it was available. Shivakumar also said he would consult Water Resources Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy and assess the reservoir position before deciding the government’s next step. Karnataka’s counsel, senior advocate Shyam Divan, said the state was complying with the directions issued by the CWMA despite the drought situation. The bench said Tamil Nadu’s grievance over the alleged deficit had to be considered by the CWMA and directed Karnataka to file its response within a week.
