Why Karnataka-Tamil Nadu Cauvery dispute keeps recurring — a river that has changed, a framework that hasn't

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee ordered Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days; Karnataka refused and appealed to the Cauvery Water Management Authority, which rejected the appeal.

Tamil Nadu plans to move the Supreme Court over Karnataka's non-compliance; the state had asked for 9.94 tmcft, but the order was for less than 4 tmcft.

Karnataka's reservoirs are at low levels: KRS at 36%, Kabini at 83%, Harangi at 95%, Hemavathi at 67%, with combined inflows around 25,000 cusecs.

The 2018 water-sharing formula was based on an assumed 740 tmcft annual flow, but actual water levels have varied, causing recurring disputes.

Officials estimate Karnataka may need to release 6,000–7,000 cusecs from KRS and Kabini to ensure 3,500 cusecs reach the border due to dry riverbed losses.