Archive · 25 Sep 2026
CWRC recommends 4,000-cusec Cauvery release amid Karnataka concerns
A committee that helps manage the Cauvery River recommended that Karnataka send water to Tamil Nadu.
The suggested amount is 4,000 cusecs every day for 15 days.
Karnataka says its reservoirs are receiving less water than before.
It also says drought has caused water stress in parts of the state.
Karnataka’s Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said the state may challenge the recommendation.
Tamil Nadu has complained that Karnataka has not released enough water under earlier directions.
The Supreme Court told Karnataka to continue following the existing water-sharing arrangement.
The court will consider the matter again on October 12.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee recommended that Karnataka release 4,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
The recommendation was made at a committee meeting chaired by Vineet Gupta in New Delhi.
Karnataka cited declining reservoir inflows, drought conditions, and water stress in its Cauvery basin.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said Karnataka may challenge the recommendation because there is pressure to release water but no rain.
The Supreme Court has directed Karnataka to follow the existing CWMA arrangement and respond within a week, with the case listed for October 12.
- Who
- The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, and the Supreme Court are involved.
- What
- The committee recommended a daily release of 4,000 cusecs of Cauvery water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
- When
- The recommendation was made during the latest committee meeting; the Supreme Court matter is scheduled for October 12.
- Where
- The committee meeting was held in New Delhi, and the dispute concerns Karnataka’s Cauvery basin and the release point at Biligundlu.
- Why
- Tamil Nadu is seeking compliance with water-release directions, while Karnataka says declining inflows and drought have reduced available water.
Karnataka’s position
Tamil Nadu’s position
Amount of water released
Karnataka’s position
Karnataka says reduced reservoir inflows and drought have created water stress and opposes demands for higher releases.
Tamil Nadu’s position
Tamil Nadu is seeking compliance with directions requiring Karnataka to release Cauvery water.
Compliance with earlier directions
Karnataka’s position
Karnataka has expressed reservations about earlier release directions, citing water scarcity and declining inflows.
Tamil Nadu’s position
Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court over an alleged shortfall in Karnataka’s compliance with Cauvery Water Management Authority directions.
- Recommended release
- 4,000 cusecs daily
- Recommended duration
- 15 days
- Committee
- Cauvery Water Regulation Committee
- Committee chair
- Vineet Gupta
- Karnataka’s position
- The state reports declining inflows, drought conditions, and water stress.
- Supreme Court direction
- Karnataka must continue complying with the existing Cauvery Water Management Authority arrangement and respond within a week.
- Next court date
- October 12