The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) has issued a directive to the Karnataka government to release 2.5 thousand million cubic feet (tmc) of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for the month of May. This decision comes in accordance with the final verdict of the Supreme Court in the long-standing Cauvery inter-state water dispute.
During a meeting chaired by CWRC chairperson Vineet Gupta, a representative of the Tamil Nadu government highlighted the continuous violation by the Karnataka government in terms of releasing water to Tamil Nadu, as mandated by the Supreme Court’s order.
According to the state official, Karnataka had a significant shortfall of 95.770 tmc of water between June 1, 2023, and April 28, 2024, with only 2.016 tmc of water released against the prescribed quantity of 7.333 tmc from February 1 to April 28.
The official stressed the importance of Karnataka adhering to the SC’s verdict and releasing the prescribed quantity of water to Tamil Nadu. Additionally, the TN government emphasized that Karnataka should also release the shortfall of environmental flow amounting to 5.317 tmc during the same period.
However, Karnataka maintained its stance, citing a severe water crisis and stating that the available water in their reservoirs would only be sufficient to meet drinking water needs.
After considering both arguments, Gupta directed the Karnataka government to release 2.5 tmc of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for the month of May.
This directive aims to ensure compliance with the Supreme Court’s verdict and address the ongoing water dispute between the two states, providing relief to Tamil Nadu, particularly in meeting its water requirements for various purposes.