Amid the ongoing conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu concerning the distribution of Cauvery water, Karnataka Minister MB Patil has expressed significant challenges in complying with the demand to provide water to Tamil Nadu for a duration of fifteen days.
According to Patil, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has mandated the release of 5,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for fifteen consecutive days. However, he noted that Karnataka is currently facing a water shortage, making it exceedingly burdensome to fulfil this directive. To address the issue, Karnataka has taken a legal approach, advocating for a fair and scientifically grounded solution that accommodates both states’ needs. Patil stressed that without a suitable formula, the situation could become embarrassing for all parties involved.
This statement follows the recent interim order by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), which instructed Karnataka to provide 5,000 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu each day for the next fifteen days, until September 2.
Patil underscored the challenge, emphasizing that adhering to the order would affect both Karnataka’s drinking water supply and its farmers’ livelihoods. He further highlighted the government’s concern that the water release could significantly deplete the reservoirs, causing difficulties in ensuring an adequate supply of drinking water.
In response to Tamil Nadu’s plea for the release of Cauvery water, the Supreme Court refrained from issuing a verdict, acknowledging its lack of expertise in the matter. Instead, the court requested a report from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) regarding the quantity of water released by Karnataka.
The dispute stems from Tamil Nadu’s demand for Karnataka to release 24,000 cusecs of water daily from the reservoirs. Karnataka, however, contested this application by highlighting that it is based on the assumption of a normal rainfall year.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramiah has directed officials to prioritize the welfare of the state’s farmers with regard to Cauvery water allocation. He emphasized the limitations of providing 83 tmc (thousand million cubic) of water, as it could adversely impact reservoir levels and create issues in terms of drinking water availability.
Amidst the dispute, farmers in Karnataka have expressed their distress through protests. Krishnegowda, President of a farmers’ association, urged the authorities to understand the dire situation faced by farmers due to inadequate rainfall. He requested that the authorities assess the circumstances and provide a verdict that reflects the actual conditions on the ground.
The Cauvery water issue has long been a contentious matter between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, involving the sharing of water from the Cauvery River. This river serves as a crucial source of irrigation and drinking water for millions of people in the region, resulting in ongoing disputes between the two states.
