Karnataka has expressed strong opposition to the directive to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu. The state plans to challenge this decision in the Supreme Court.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cauvery Water Management Authority directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs daily for 15 days.
  • Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy termed the demand "too costly" and inappropriate.
  • The state will file formal objections in the Supreme Court following a hearing.
  • Farmers in Mandya and Mysuru are protesting against the water release order.

The long-standing Cauvery water dispute has escalated again as the Karnataka government stated it would be extremely difficult to comply with the directive to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu. Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy confirmed that the state intends to present its objections before the Supreme Court.

The directive comes from the Cauvery Water Management Authority, following a decision by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). Reddy noted that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has already consulted with legal experts in Delhi to prepare the state's defense. The government maintains that it will ensure no injustice is done to the residents of Karnataka.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this escalation threatens the agricultural stability of both states. Karnataka currently holds approximately 76 TMC of water in its reservoirs, of which 36 TMC is strictly required for drinking purposes annually. Releasing 16 TMC over 15 days, as demanded, could severely deplete the state's reserves, leaving little for irrigation and evaporation losses.

"The demand for 12,000 cusecs is disproportionately high given the current reservoir levels and unsatisfactory monsoon patterns in the Old Mysuru region."

Amidst the legal battle, ground-level tensions are rising. Farmers in the Mandya and Mysuru districts have staged sporadic protests against the order. Furthermore, some pro-Kannada organizations have called for a state-wide Karnataka Bandh to protest the directive, adding a layer of social unrest to the political dispute.

Historical Background

The Cauvery water sharing issue is a complex inter-state conflict involving decades of litigation. While previous orders, such as the release of 3,500 cusecs in July, were manageable for Karnataka due to recent rains, the current jump to 12,000 cusecs has created a significant resource gap that the state claims it cannot bridge without harming its own citizens.

Did You Know?: The Cauvery river basin is one of the most contested water resources in India, involving multiple legal battles over decades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why is Karnataka protesting the 12,000 cusecs order?
The state argues that the volume is too high and would compromise their own drinking water supply and agricultural needs.

2. What is the role of the Supreme Court in this matter?
The Supreme Court will hear Tamil Nadu's petition and review Karnataka's objections to decide on the legality and feasibility of the water release.