Bengaluru: Karnataka has been directed to release 3,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily for 15 days from November 7, following a decision by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC). State minister N Cheluvarayaswamy said the directive had also been endorsed by the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
At its 146th meeting on November 6, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu presented their respective arguments. Karnataka cited a 53.88% decline in inflows into its four major Cauvery basin reservoirs compared with the 30-year average. It also said 55 of the 56 taluks in the basin were drought-affected.
The state maintained that additional releases would affect its own water requirements, noting that around 50 TMC was needed to meet priority needs. Tamil Nadu, however, claimed a shortfall of 16.895 TMC in its allocated share as of November 4 and sought immediate release of the outstanding quantity.
The CWRC has ordered Karnataka to ensure a flow of 3,000 cusecs at Biligundlu from 8am on November 7 for 15 days, amounting to about 3.88 TMC.
Cheluvarayaswamy said the government would take steps to safeguard Karnataka’s interests, considering water availability and the state’s requirements.
