NEW DELHI, SEPT 24: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed Karnataka to continue complying with the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) order on releasing water to Tamil Nadu and asked the state to file an affidavit responding to Tamil Nadu’s objections within a week.
The court posted the matter for further hearing on October 12.
During the hearing, Karnataka cited the prevailing drought and declining water availability in its reservoirs to oppose the demand for additional water release to Tamil Nadu. The state told the court that inadequate rainfall had resulted in lower inflows into the Cauvery basin and reduced storage levels in its reservoirs.
Karnataka said that while its reservoirs had around 81 TMC of water at the same time last year, inflows this year have been substantially lower. The state has also declared drought in several areas following deficient monsoon rainfall, it submitted.
The state expressed concern that complying with the demand for additional releases could lead to drinking water shortages during the summer. Karnataka argued that the water requirement for drinking purposes, environmental needs and industries should be taken into account before directing any additional release.
Karnataka also contended that the Cauvery basin itself was facing water scarcity and urged the court to reject Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking additional water.
Tamil Nadu’s stand
Tamil Nadu, meanwhile, alleged that Karnataka was utilising the available Cauvery water for itself and not complying with the CWMA’s directions.
The state told the Supreme Court that it too was facing water shortages and that water was required for crops spread across around 4.5 lakh acres.
Tamil Nadu said it had already lost its ‘kuruvai’ crop because of inadequate water availability and argued that the existing water-sharing directions should be implemented in proportion to the availability of water.
The state also alleged that Karnataka was not complying with the CWMA order on water release and urged the court to ensure implementation of the prescribed sharing mechanism.
With both states citing water scarcity and competing requirements, the Supreme Court is now expected to examine Karnataka’s affidavit and the rival claims when the matter comes up on October 12.
