K’taka told to give 31.24 tmcft water to TN; state to consult Cauvery basin netas

NEW DELHI/BENGALURU: The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) on Monday directed Karnataka to release 31.24 tmcft water to Tamil Nadu during July. Karnataka government will take a decision on the Authority’s direction after consulting elected representatives from the Cauvery basin region.

In June, Karnataka had released water in excess of its monthly quota and the same will be adjusted in the quantum of water to be released in July.

After the meeting in the national capital, CWMA chairman Masood Hussain told reporters that the Authority directed Karnataka to ensure balance quantity (of water) for July, delinquently adjusting the excess quantity of water realised to Tamil Nadu in June, subject to the assessment and recommendations by the regulation committee.

“Tamil Nadu is demanding the release of water in excess of its actual requirement. We will take a decision after considering Tami Nadu’s requirement and also our farmers needs,” Karnataka Water Resources Minister D K Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru. He said he will convene a meeting of elected representatives from the Cauvery basin region between July 6 and 10 to discuss the issue and take a decision.

The CWMA meeting in New Delhi was attended by representatives of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Puducherry.

Karnataka was represented by its Water Water Resources department Principal Secretary Rakesh Singh. Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) chairperson Masood Hussain said the meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere with a spirit of cooperation. In the meeting, Karnataka was urged to release water according to the Supreme Court ruling, and it was decided that the existing arrangement for the supply of water to Puducherry by Tamil Nadu will continue, he said.

The Authority, he said, also considered requesting the Central Water Commission to submit a proposal for setting up a communication network to assess hydrological conditions.

Acting on the Supreme Court’s direction, the Centre on June 1 constituted the CWMA. Karnataka government has decided to appeal in the apex court against the Centre’s decision to set up CWMA without addressing the concerns raised by the state.

Meanwhile, Cauvery Water Regulation Committee meeting is scheduled to be held in New Delhi on July 5.