CWMA Orders Karnataka to Release Cauvery Water
The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has endorsed a recommendation directing Karnataka to ensure the release of 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from August 12. The flow is to be maintained at Biligundlu, the interstate measuring point.
Karnataka Ordered to Release Cauvery Water
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) recommended the 12,000-cusec daily release before the CWMA approved the direction.
The order requires Karnataka to regulate releases from its reservoirs so that the prescribed flow reaches Biligundlu during the 15-day period.
Tamil Nadu had complained that Karnataka failed to ensure adequate releases under an earlier direction requiring 3,500 cusecs daily. It said flows recorded at Biligundlu during part of that period remained below the prescribed level.
Karnataka Raises Reservoir Storage Concerns
Karnataka opposed the higher release, citing declining inflows and concerns over water availability for drinking and irrigation requirements.
The State told the authority that its four Cauvery basin reservoirs had received about 77.75 TMC ft of inflows, around 47% below the 30-year average.
Karnataka sought a reduction in the release requirement and wanted future releases reviewed depending on monsoon conditions and reservoir inflows.
Cauvery Water Dispute Intensifies
Tamil Nadu maintained that Karnataka’s water situation did not justify withholding its share and sought additional releases to address the accumulated shortfall.
Karnataka is considering its options over the latest direction, while the decision has again triggered concerns among farmers and political leaders.
The renewed disagreement comes as both States continue to contest Cauvery water releases during the southwest monsoon period.
