Cauvery water row: SC to hear Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking Karnataka’s compliance on August 13

Tamil Nadu has taken its dispute over Cauvery river water to the Supreme Court, accusing neighboring Karnataka of "wilfully" disobeying a directive to release water. The state is seeking an order compelling Karnataka to comply with the Cauvery Water Management Authority's (CWMA) decision.

The plea, filed by Tamil Nadu, highlights that Karnataka has failed to release the mandated 3,500 cusecs of water per day for 15 days, a decision endorsed by the CWMA based on the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's recommendation. This non-compliance has resulted in a significant shortfall, jeopardizing the crucial Kuruvai paddy crop and preparations for the Samba crop in Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Delta region.

According to the state's application, the actual water flow recorded at the Billigundulu inter-state border point between July 29 and August 2 was drastically lower than ordered, ranging from 158 to 530 cusecs daily. Tamil Nadu argues that Karnataka has sufficient water in its reservoirs, citing storage levels as of August 3, to meet the mandated release. The state is also seeking directions for the CWMA to monitor Karnataka's reservoirs more frequently to ensure future compliance.

The DMK party has also filed a similar application in the Supreme Court, seeking immediate directions for water release from Karnataka and adherence to the CWMA's decision. The dispute underscores the ongoing tensions over water sharing between the southern Indian states, particularly during critical agricultural periods.

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It is evident that Karnataka has wilfully not complied with the directions of the CWRC/CWMA.