On May 22, 2025, the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directed the Karnataka government to release a total of 40.43 thousand million cubic feet (TMC) of water to Tamil Nadu. This includes 9.19 TMC for June and 31.24 TMC for July. The decision was made during the CWMA’s 40th meeting held in Delhi, chaired by S.K. Haldar, with officials from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Puducherry in attendance.Tamil Nadu officials emphasized that Karnataka had not been releasing the mandated water as per the Supreme Court’s orders. They also noted forecasts predicting an early and above-average southwest monsoon, which would enhance water availability. The CWMA acknowledged these points and issued the directive to Karnataka.
Recent heavy rains in Karnataka’s Cauvery catchment areas have increased water inflows, potentially easing the implementation of the CWMA’s order.
This development is significant in the ongoing Cauvery water dispute, aiming to ensure equitable water distribution between the states.