Karnataka to Challenge Cauvery Water Release Order in CWMA
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar announced the state will move the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) against a Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) order to release 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days to Tamil Nadu, despite deficient rainfall. The order has triggered protests in Karnataka, which argues it cannot spare water due to drought.
Background
The Cauvery water dispute is a long-standing inter-state river water conflict between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, governed by the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT) award and the 2013 Supreme Court judgment. The CWRC and CWMA were established under the Cauvery Water Management Scheme to regulate water releases.
Key facts
CWRC ordered Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water per day for 15 days to Tamil Nadu.
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar said the state will appeal to the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
Karnataka claims implementing the order may require releasing nearly twice the stipulated amount due to dry riverbed before water reaches Biligundlu, the interstate measuring point.
The CWRC had earlier rejected Tamil Nadu's request for water release on two occasions.
Tamil Nadu CM Joseph Vijay sought a meeting with Karnataka CM and has written to the Karnataka chief secretary.
Shivakumar invited Vijay to inspect drought conditions in Karnataka's Cauvery basin.
The order triggered protests in Karnataka over water scarcity concerns.
Karnataka is preparing its legal appeal with the Advocate General and legal experts.
Prelims pointers
- Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC)
- Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)
- Biligundlu - interstate measuring point for Cauvery water
- Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal (CWDT)
- Cauvery Water Management Scheme
- Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956
- Article 262 of the Constitution - adjudication of inter-state water disputes
Mains angles
- Discuss the constitutional and legal framework for resolving inter-state river water disputes in India, with reference to the Cauvery dispute.
- Critically examine the role of river water management authorities like CWMA in ensuring equitable water sharing during drought conditions.
- Analyze the challenges in implementing tribunal awards and Supreme Court judgments in inter-state water disputes.