Kannada Raksha Vedike members raise slogans during a protest against the release of 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for 15 days to neighbouring Tamil Nadu, in Bengaluru, Karnataka, Wednesday, July 29. PTI
Karnataka defers CWMA's Cauvery water release order; calls all-party meeting
With the Cauvery basin facing a severe shortfall in rainfall this year, the state says water currently held in its reservoirs is barely enough to meet drinking water needs and irrigate existing crops
The Karnataka government on Thursday (July 30) decided to postpone compliance with the Cauvery Water Management Authority's (CWMA) order directing it to release 3,500 cusecs of water every day to Tamil Nadu, citing deficient rainfall and depleted reservoir levels.
An all-party meeting has been called for Sunday (August 2) to chart the state's next legal and administrative measures. It is learnt that the state might move even the Supreme Court, given the gravity of the situation.
Also read: Can't release Cauvery water to TN, says Karnataka
The CWMA, upholding the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) recommendation at a meeting on Thursday, had directed Karnataka to release a total of 4.5 TMC of water — at 3,500 cusecs daily — over the next 15 days. It is widely seen as a big setback to Karnataka.
What govt said
With the Cauvery basin facing a severe shortfall in rainfall this year, the state says water currently held in its reservoirs is barely enough to meet drinking water needs and irrigate existing crops. Citing this, the government has opted against immediate compliance with the CWMA order.
Also read: CWRC order on TN’s Cauvery water quota sparks protests in Karnataka
The next course of action will be decided at Sunday's all-party meeting, in consultation with Opposition leaders, legal experts, and irrigation officials. The Congress government is seriously weighing an appeal to the Supreme Court against the CWMA order, backed by data on reservoir levels and drought conditions, and will seek a stay.
BJP to back govt's legal battle
Leader of Opposition R Ashok called the CWMA order's continuation a major setback for the state, accusing the Congress government of failing to take a firm stand on the Cauvery issue or effectively defend Karnataka's interests.
"Not a single drop of water should be released to Tamil Nadu until the state's drinking water needs and farmers' interests are fully secured. Crops have dried up due to lack of rain — the government should immediately conduct a comprehensive crop damage survey and announce compensation for affected farmers," he said.
Ashok added that the BJP would fully back any legal battle the government mounts to protect farmers' interests and the state's self-respect.