Patali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss on Thursday criticised the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) for refusing to direct Karnataka to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu and called for an empowered Cauvery Management Board.

Dr. Anbumani said CWMA had accepted Karnataka’s claim that the available water was only sufficient for Bengaluru’s drinking needs and declined Tamil Nadu’s request to release water for protecting kuruvai crops. He highlighted that Karnataka had released merely 3.44 tmc ft since June, far short of the 28.30 tmc ft owed to Tamil Nadu.

Historical Background

The Cauvery dispute dates back to the 19th century, pitting Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over water sharing. The Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (1990) set allocation rules, but disagreements persisted. In 2007, the CWMA was created, yet its limited powers have often left inter‑state tensions unresolved.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that a powerless CWMA hampers effective water sharing, risking agricultural losses in Tamil Nadu and escalating inter‑state tensions, which could affect national political stability.

"Without a strong board, Cauvery water management will continue to lack transparency and accountability," says water policy expert Dr. R. Sharma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How would an empowered board change water distribution?

A: It would hold comprehensive authority over reservoir operations, releases, and violations, ensuring equitable allocation.

Q2: What recourse does Tamil Nadu have if the Centre does not act?

A: The state can approach the Supreme Court, as suggested by Dr. Anbumani.