Archive · 16 Aug 2026
Karnataka to protect farmers, abide by law on Cauvery water
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are two states in India that share a big river called the Cauvery.
The river gives water for drinking and for growing crops.
Karnataka's leader, Mr. Shivakumar, said his job is to help farmers in his state get enough water.
But he also has to follow the rules and give some water to Tamil Nadu.
The dams in Karnataka are not full yet because it hasn't rained enough.
A group that manages the river told Karnataka to send a certain amount of water to Tamil Nadu every day.
Karnataka is not happy and wants to ask a higher court to change that decision.
Mr. Shivakumar also talked about a big project called Mekedatu to store more water.
He said this project will not take away Tamil Nadu's share of water.
He hopes for good rain so that crops grow and farmers have food and work.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said his government faces the dual challenge of protecting farmers' livelihoods and abiding by the law on releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
Shivakumar said dams have not filled yet and the government must provide water for drinking and agriculture depending on availability.
He reiterated that the Mekedatu project will not affect Tamil Nadu's allocated share of 177.25 TMC of water.
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee asked Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water per day starting August 12 for 15 days, upheld by the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
The state government plans to appeal against the CWMA's order in the Supreme Court.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar
- What
- Addressed the challenge of releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu while protecting Karnataka farmers' livelihoods
- When
- Sunday, August 16 (reported)
- Where
- Madikeri, Karnataka, India
- Why
- To balance legal obligations to release water to Tamil Nadu with the need to protect Karnataka farmers' livelihoods amid low dam levels
Karnataka's Position
Tamil Nadu's Position
Mekedatu Project
Karnataka's Position
Karnataka says the project will not affect Tamil Nadu's allocated share of 177.25 TMC and there are separate formulas for distress years.
Tamil Nadu's Position
Tamil Nadu opposes the project, fearing the state would be affected if it is built.
Water Release Order
Karnataka's Position
Karnataka plans to appeal against the CWMA's order to release 12,000 cusecs per day, citing low dam levels and farmer needs.
Tamil Nadu's Position
The CWRC and CWMA upheld the release order, implying Tamil Nadu's need for water is recognized.
- Chief Minister
- D K Shivakumar
- Location
- Madikeri, Karnataka
- Water release order
- 12,000 cusecs per day from August 12 for 15 days
- Ordering body
- Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC)
- Appellate body
- Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)
- Tamil Nadu's allocated share
- 177.25 TMC
- Mekedatu project
- Multi-purpose project (drinking water and power) near Kanakapura, Bengaluru South district
- Planned action
- Appeal against CWMA order in Supreme Court