Karnataka to Decide on Cauvery Water Release After CWMA Orders 9,000 Cusecs to Tamil Nadu

Karnataka Water Resources Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy on Tuesday said the state government would take a decision in the interest of Karnataka and its farmers after the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed the state to ensure a flow of 9,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days. The latest order has renewed tensions between the neighbouring states, with Karnataka citing difficult water conditions and Tamil Nadu pressing for its share.

The CWMA upheld the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) recommendation that Karnataka ensure 9,000 cusecs at Biligundulu, the interstate measuring point, for 15 days. The order amounts to around 11.66 TMC and follows the Supreme Court's direction to Tamil Nadu to take its grievance over water releases before the CWMA. Karnataka had sought a reduction to 6,000 cusecs, while Tamil Nadu had sought 28 TMC.

Cheluvarayaswamy said Karnataka had presented its difficulties through its technical team before the CWRC, but the committee considered prevailing conditions and inflows before issuing its recommendation. He said the government would consider Supreme Court directions, committee orders and the local water situation, while ensuring that farmers and people in Karnataka do not face hardship.

The latest decision follows a series of directions. On July 28, the CWRC recommended 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days from July 29, later upheld by the CWMA. Tamil Nadu approached the Supreme Court seeking enforcement and 4.536 TMC. On August 11, the CWMA raised the requirement to 12,000 cusecs daily for 15 days from August 12, citing Tamil Nadu's needs. The latest 9,000-cusec order is therefore a reduction from the previous direction.

Karnataka has repeatedly cited hydrological distress. At an August 11 meeting, it said inflows into KRS, Kabini, Hemavathi and Harangi were 77.746 TMC, 47% below the 30-year average. At a subsequent meeting, Karnataka placed cumulative inflows at around 49.18% below average. The state also said Biligundulu had received 86,942 cusecs against a prescribed 52,500 cusecs during the relevant period.

Tamil Nadu, however, has maintained that it requires adequate water for Kuruvai paddy cultivation and drinking-water needs. The Supreme Court, which heard the dispute on August 24, listed the matter for August 31 after directing Tamil Nadu to approach the CWMA.

The dispute has deep historical roots, including the 1892 and 1924 agreements, the 1990 Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and its 2007 award. The Supreme Court modified the allocation in 2018, following which the CWMA and CWRC were established.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in Mandya, where pro-Kannada activists led by Vatal Nagaraj attempted to lay siege to the KRS Dam. Police detained and later released them. Nagaraj also warned of a possible blockade near Attibele on September 1, while criticising Tamil Nadu's opposition to Karnataka's Mekedatu project.