2 weeks ago
Karnataka Opposes Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Water Plea, Cites Inflow Deficit
Two big states in India, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, share water from a big river called the Cauvery.
The river depends on rain, and this year there has been much less rain than usual, so Karnataka's reservoirs have less water.
Tamil Nadu asked the Supreme Court, the highest court in India, to tell Karnataka to send it more water.
Karnataka told the court that its dams received about 65 percent less water than normal this year.
It also said it has already sent more water than the Cauvery Water Management Authority recommended.
Some rainfall in the Wayanad area helped a little, and Karnataka sent extra water to Tamil Nadu between July 29 and August 10.
Tamil Nadu says Karnataka still owes it a lot of water, about 26.954 TMC.
Karnataka says it is not fair to demand normal amounts of water during a dry, or 'distress', year.
Some leaders think the two states should talk to each other instead of fighting in court.
The Supreme Court will hear the case on Thursday.
Karnataka filed its Supreme Court response opposing Tamil Nadu's plea for directions to release Cauvery water, ahead of Thursday's hearing.
Karnataka said the four major Cauvery basin reservoirs recorded a 65.76 per cent shortfall in inflows this year.
Between July 29 and August 10, Karnataka released around 1,64,080 cusecs, with 86,797 cusecs reaching Tamil Nadu through Biligundlu.
Karnataka stated that Tamil Nadu calculated a deficit of 26.954 TMC and that CWRC gauge data at Biligundlu provides an objective basis for measuring flow.
Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy said releasing 16 TMC would be challenging, while Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy called for dialogue over litigation.
- Who
- Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, in a water dispute heard by the Supreme Court of India; Karnataka was represented by senior advocate Mohan V Katarki.
- What
- Karnataka filed its response opposing Tamil Nadu's plea for directions on releasing Cauvery water, citing a 65.76 per cent shortfall in reservoir inflows and arguing it has already released more than CWMA recommendations.
- Where
- Supreme Court of India, concerning the Cauvery river basin, with flows measured at the Biligundlu gauge station.
- When
- Filed ahead of the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Thursday; additional releases to Tamil Nadu occurred between July 29 and August 10.
- Why
- Tamil Nadu claims a deficit of 26.954 TMC in water it should receive, while Karnataka argues that applying a pro-rata formula without accounting for the distress-year situation would be inequitable.
Karnataka's position
Tamil Nadu's position
Water releases
Karnataka's position
Karnataka says it released more water than the CWMA recommended at Biligundlu despite a severe inflow shortfall.
Tamil Nadu's position
Tamil Nadu, through its plea, seeks directions for the release of Cauvery water and has calculated a deficit of 26.954 TMC.
Assessment formula
Karnataka's position
Applying a pro-rata formula without considering the distress-year situation would not be equitable; the court should consider prevailing hydrological conditions.
Tamil Nadu's position
Tamil Nadu has pressed for releases through the CWMA and CWRC channels, seeking water it considers due under the established framework.
Path to resolution
Karnataka's position
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said dialogue between the states would be preferable to continued litigation and alleged Tamil Nadu pressured the CWMA and CWRC.
Tamil Nadu's position
Tamil Nadu is pursuing its claim for water release through the Supreme Court.
Key facts
- Inflow shortfall (4 major reservoirs)
- 65.76% this year
- Water released by Karnataka (Jul 29 - Aug 10)
- 1,64,080 cusecs
- Water reaching Tamil Nadu via Biligundlu
- 86,797 cusecs
- Deficit calculated by Tamil Nadu
- 26.954 TMC
- Next hearing
- Thursday, Supreme Court
- Karnataka Chief Minister
- D.K. Shivakumar
- Water Resources Minister
- Ramalinga Reddy
Sources
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