Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Supreme Court Seeks Karnataka Reply on Cauvery Water Shortfall
Tamil Nadu says Karnataka has not sent enough Cauvery River water.
It says the shortage has already damaged an early crop.
Tamil Nadu estimates the shortfall at 20 TMC.
Karnataka says it is following the water-release instructions it has received.
Karnataka also says it is suffering from a terrible drought.
The Cauvery Water Management Authority decides how much water should be released.
The Supreme Court said that authority should consider Tamil Nadu’s complaint about the shortage.
The court asked Karnataka to submit a written response within a week.
The case will be heard again on October 12.
The Supreme Court asked Karnataka to respond to Tamil Nadu’s plea alleging a 20 TMC shortfall in Cauvery water supplies.
Tamil Nadu said it had already lost its early Kharif crop because of insufficient water.
Karnataka said it was complying with Cauvery Water Management Authority directions despite facing a severe drought.
The court said Tamil Nadu’s deficit grievance should be considered by the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
Karnataka must file its response within a week, with the next hearing scheduled for October 12.
- Who
- The governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with the Supreme Court and Cauvery Water Management Authority involved.
- What
- The Supreme Court asked Karnataka to respond to Tamil Nadu’s plea alleging a shortfall in its Cauvery water supply.
- When
- The order was issued on Thursday; Karnataka must respond within a week, and the next hearing is on October 12.
- Where
- The dispute concerns Cauvery River water shared between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka; the hearing was before the Supreme Court in New Delhi.
- Why
- Tamil Nadu seeks release of its proportionate water share and alleges a 20 TMC deficit, while Karnataka cites a severe drought and says it is following current directions.
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Karnataka’s Position
Water shortfall
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Tamil Nadu alleges it is short of 20 TMC of its Cauvery water share and wants the deficit addressed.
Karnataka’s Position
Karnataka says it is releasing water in compliance with directions issued by the Cauvery Water Management Authority.
Impact of conditions
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Tamil Nadu says the shortage has caused it to lose its early Kharif crop.
Karnataka’s Position
Karnataka says it is facing a terrible drought and that all relevant factors are being considered by the expert authority.
Role of the water authority
Tamil Nadu’s Position
Tamil Nadu says the Cauvery Water Management Authority must issue an order addressing the shortfall.
Karnataka’s Position
Karnataka argues that the authority is the expert forum where both states are heard and the situation is reviewed.
- Alleged shortfall
- Tamil Nadu said the deficit was 20 TMC.
- Current release direction
- The Cauvery Water Management Authority upheld a direction for Karnataka to release 6,000 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for 15 days on September 8.
- Tamil Nadu’s crop claim
- Tamil Nadu said it had already lost its early Kharif crop because of insufficient water.
- Karnataka’s position
- Karnataka said it was complying with the authority’s directions despite a terrible drought situation.
- Review process
- The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee was reviewing the situation every 15 days.
- Court deadline
- The Supreme Court directed Karnataka to file its response within a week.
- Next hearing
- The matter is scheduled to be heard on October 12.