CWMA Upholds 4,000 Cusecs Release to Tamil Nadu
The Cauvery Water Management Authority has upheld a direction requiring Karnataka to release 4,000 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, despite Karnataka opposing the release because of low reservoir storage and its own drinking water and irrigation requirements.
CWMA Upholds Cauvery Water Release Order
The decision was taken at the 58th meeting of the CWMA in New Delhi, chaired by S.K. Haldar. It endorsed the earlier direction issued by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee after reviewing reservoir storage, rainfall and water availability across the Cauvery basin.
The 4,000-cusec release over 15 days would amount to approximately 5.18 tmcft of water.
Tamil Nadu Flags 14.98 TMC Cauvery Shortfall
Tamil Nadu told the authorities that only 42.209 tmcft of Cauvery water had been received at Biligundlu against a pro-rata entitlement of 57.190 tmcft, resulting in a shortfall of 14.981 tmcft.
State officials also highlighted Tamil Nadu’s irrigation requirements and reservoir situation while seeking additional releases from Karnataka.
Karnataka Opposes 4,000 Cusecs Release
Karnataka strongly opposed the direction, citing declining inflows, inadequate reservoir storage and concerns over meeting drinking water and irrigation requirements within the state.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said Karnataka would challenge the direction, arguing that releasing additional water would be difficult amid the prevailing water shortage.
The latest decision continues the long-running interstate dispute over Cauvery water sharing during periods of rainfall deficiency and reduced reservoir inflows.
