Karnataka To Decide On Cauvery Water Release After SC Hearing

Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated that the state would find it challenging to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu as directed by the Cauvery Water Management Authority. The decision was made by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, which met in New Delhi on Tuesday.

The Karnataka government will decide its next course of action after the Supreme Court hearing on August 13. Reddy asserted that the government would ensure no injustice was done to the state as it weighs its legal options in the long-running water-sharing dispute.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from August 12. The Cauvery Water Management Authority subsequently upheld the decision. Reddy discussed the matter with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and officials.

The Chief Minister also spoke to the state's Advocate General and advocates in New Delhi ahead of the Supreme Court hearing. Tamil Nadu had moved the Supreme Court earlier this month over the Cauvery dispute, contending that the amount of water directed to be released by the CWRC was insufficient.

Karnataka had initially said it was unable to release water due to poor storage levels in its reservoirs. However, heavy rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas later prompted the state to begin releasing water under the earlier 3,500-cusec direction.

Reddy said Karnataka had complied with that order and had actually released more water to Tamil Nadu after the Kabini dam filled following rainfall in its catchment area. According to Reddy, Karnataka has about 76 TMC of water in its reservoirs, of which 36 TMC would be needed annually for drinking water.

The state also has to account for evaporation and water requirements for rivers and crops. Reddy stated that releasing 12,000 cusecs of water daily would be too high a quantity, considering the state's water requirements.

The Supreme Court hearing on August 13 will play a crucial role in determining the next course of action for Karnataka. The state will decide whether further legal action is necessary based on the outcome of the hearing and advice from its advocates.

The long-running Cauvery water dispute has been a significant issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The dispute has led to tensions between the two states, with both sides presenting their cases in court.

The outcome of the Supreme Court hearing will be closely watched, as it will have a significant impact on the water-sharing agreement between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The decision will also affect the livelihoods of people in both states who depend on the Cauvery river for their water needs.

In conclusion, the Karnataka government will await the Supreme Court hearing on August 13 before deciding its next course of action on the Cauvery water release. The state will ensure that no injustice is done to it as it weighs its legal options in the dispute.