CWMA to Karnataka: Release 5,000 cusecs water for 15 days

CHENNAI: The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) on Monday directed the Karnataka government to release 5,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from September 19 to October 3.

The latest order is in line with the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) direction on September 12, which, however, Karnataka has not complied with.

In a statement, the CWMA said that it has taken note of the severity of the drought in the Cauvery basin of Karnataka, which has been increasing and enlarging, putting at a greater risk even the drinking water needs and minimum needs of irrigation.

Karnataka submitted that it was not in a position to release the water unless the inflows into the reservoirs improved, while Tamil Nadu sought 12,500 cusecs (inclusive of the backlog of 6,500 cusecs) for the next 15 days.

The authority upheld the CWRC’s direction to Karnataka on ensuring 5,000 cusecs realisation at Biligundlu for the next 15 days. “The CWMA stuck to its stand and passed the order,” said a senior Water Resource Department official, adding that the State has to follow the direction.

“We have briefed Minister Duraimurugan, who heads the all-party MPs delegation to meet Jal Sakthi Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, regarding the CMWA order,” he said. If Karnataka failed to honour CWMA’s order, Tamil Nadu has no other option other than approaching the Supreme Court, he said.

Before meeting the Union Minister, Duraimurugan told the media in Delhi that 5,000 cusecs of water daily was insufficient for the State. “The CWMA and CWRC insisted the Karnataka government release 5,000 cusecs daily after taking into account various factors, including the availability of water storage level and rainfall. But they are not coming forth to release the water,” he said.