Karnataka govt to appeal against Cauvery panel directive on water release to Tamil Nadu

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government on Friday decided to appeal against the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) directive to release water to Tamil Nadu and hold an all-party leaders’ meeting on July 14 to decide on the action to be taken on the matter.

On Thursday, the CWRC directed Karnataka to release one tmcft of water per day from July 12 to 31 to Tamil Nadu.

After holding a meeting with ministers and senior officers, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah told reporters that the government will appeal before the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) against the CWRC’s directive. Although IMD has forecast normal rainfall this time, there is a 28% shortfall in the inflow into the four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin in the state, he said and added that the reservoirs now have only 60 tmcft of water.

Siddaramaiah said Karnataka had explained its position at the CWRC meeting and requested it not to take any decision till July end. However, the CWRC directed the state to release one tmcft of water every day from July 12 to 31. He said all parties in the state have always been together on the issue of sharing Cauvery water. An all-party leaders’ meeting will be in Bengaluru at 4 pm on July 14.

Union ministers, MPs and MLAs from all parties in the state will be invited to the meeting. A decision on the action to be taken in view of the CWRC’s directive will be arrived at after taking everyone into confidence, he said.

Tamil Nadu bristles as Karnataka refuses Cauvery water

Only 60% water in 4 dams: Siddu

In the four Cauvery basin reservoirs of the state, only 60% of water is available. The state needs water for agriculture, besides drinking and industrial purposes, the CM said.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who is also Water Resources Minister, said the deficit is 28 in percentage terms, or 19 tmcft in absolute terms. Water storage at Harangi dam stood at 73%, Hemavathi 55%, KRS 54%, and Kabini 96%.

Water is being released from Kabini dam in line with the safety norms, he said in response to a question whether water is being released to Tamil Nadu.

Shivakumar said that a decision to release water for farmers of Mandya district will be taken after the all-party meeting.

He held discussions with the state’s legal team which has made some suggestions on the way forward.