Cauvery Water Row: Kabini Inflow Eases Karnataka's Pressure, Legal Options Open
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Karnataka is facing a renewed Cauvery water dispute with Tamil Nadu, which has sought release of 9.9 tmcft of water. Recent monsoon rains and inflow from Kabini dam have provided temporary relief, but the state is keeping legal options open, including a possible Supreme Court appeal against CWMA directives.
Background
The Cauvery water dispute is a long-standing inter-state river sharing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, governed by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal and the Supreme Court. The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) were constituted to implement the final award.
Key facts
Nearly 4 tmcft of water flowed from Kabini in Karnataka to Tamil Nadu between Saturday and late Sunday.
In the 24 hours ending Sunday at 8am, 1.29 tmcft of water was released from Kabini dam.
Kabini dam released 25,000 cusecs late Saturday, scaled down to 10,000 cusecs by 8am Sunday.
Four reservoirs in the Cauvery basin are collectively receiving an inflow of 81,000 cusecs a day.
Karnataka has to maintain 40 tmcft of water in its reservoirs.
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar said the state will comply with CWMA's directive but did not release water specifically for Tamil Nadu; excess water was discharged for dam safety.
Karnataka has received only 30-35% of normal rainfall, leading to drought-like conditions.
Tamil Nadu has sought release of 9.9 tmcft of Cauvery water.
CWRC recommended releasing 3,500 cusecs a day, which CWMA endorsed.
Karnataka is considering challenging the CWMA direction in the Supreme Court.
Prelims pointers
- Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)
- Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC)
- Kabini dam
- Krishnarajasagara reservoir
- Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal
- Inter-state river water sharing
- Article 262 of the Constitution
- Cauvery basin states: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry
Mains angles
- Discuss the challenges in inter-state river water sharing in India with reference to the Cauvery dispute.
- Critically examine the role of statutory bodies like CWMA in resolving water disputes.
- Analyze the federal implications of river water disputes and the need for cooperative federalism.