CWRC order to release 6,000 cusecs water to TN illogical, mulling appeal in SC: K’taka minister on Cauvery row

Bengaluru: Karnataka Water Resources Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy on Tuesday termed the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee’s (CWRC) direction to release 6,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu as “illogical” and said the order had caused deep disappointment and distress to the state and its residents.

Cheluvarayaswamy, speaking to media, said Karnataka officials had strongly presented the ground reality at the CWRC meeting, particularly the declining inflows into the Cauvery basin.

“Tamil Nadu had demanded 17,000 cusecs of water. However, inflows into the Cauvery basin have declined considerably over the past week. Under such distress conditions, even releasing 6,000 cusecs is extremely difficult for us. We are continuously making efforts to ensure that no water is released,” he said.

“The authorities sitting in Delhi and taking decisions do not understand the ground realities. There have been instances in the past of similar orders being issued without fully assessing the situation,” he said.

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) meeting is scheduled to be held on Tuesday afternoon. Cheluvarayaswamy said Karnataka was unlikely to get much relief from the meeting and indicated that the government was seriously considering approaching the Supreme Court.

“After the CWMA meeting, we will discuss the matter with the Chief Minister. The government is seriously considering filing a petition before the Supreme Court tomorrow itself,” he said.

On the water availability in Karnataka’s reservoirs, the Minister said around 50 per cent of the existing storage had been earmarked for drinking water requirements.

He said water was being supplied to farmers based on their requirements through the Bhadra and Upper Krishna Project (UKP) systems. Water was also being released through rivers to prevent drinking water shortages in the Chitradurga region.

“We are managing the water in the reservoirs in a controlled manner and filling lakes and ponds wherever possible so that there are no problems for people or livestock,” he said.

Cheluvarayaswamy also took a dig at the BJP-led opposition padayatra over the Cauvery issue, saying people across the state were aware of the reasons behind the march.

“It is known to the people of Karnataka why the BJP is undertaking the padayatra. R. Ashoka has already developed pain in his leg. The leaders participating in the padayatra are also our friends. I hope their health does not deteriorate and remains stable even after the padayatra concludes,” he said.

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