CWRC directs Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu; State to challenge order
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has instructed Karnataka to maintain a flow of 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days starting Wednesday. The direction is expected to translate into the release of around 4 tmc of water from the Krishnaraja Sagara (KRS) and Kabini reservoirs.
Karnataka, however, has said it will contest the decision before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA), arguing that current hydrological conditions do not permit additional releases. The State indicated it would wait for the authority’s decision before acting on the CWRC’s directive.
Officials from Karnataka stated that ensuring a downstream flow of 3,500 cusecs would require reservoir releases of nearly 6,000 to 7,000 cusecs due to transmission losses.
The State cited poor monsoon conditions, significantly reduced inflows into reservoirs, low storage levels, falling groundwater reserves and the need to prioritize drinking water supply as reasons for opposing the order.
According to Karnataka, cumulative inflows into its Cauvery reservoirs between June 1 and July 27 were nearly 66 percent below the long-term average. It maintained that available storage is barely sufficient to meet domestic requirements and that releasing more water is currently not feasible.
Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, argued before the committee that it had not received its scheduled share of 9.46 tmc of water by July 26.
Meanwhile, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition R. Ashok criticized the order and warned of protests if water is released. He also urged the State government to strongly present Karnataka’s case before the CWMA.