Cauvery Row: CWMA Tells Karnataka to Release 9,000 Cusecs Daily for 15 Days

The Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) has directed Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu at a rate of 9,000 cusecs per day for the next 15 days, beginning August 25. The decision, taken at a meeting in Delhi on Tuesday, endorses an earlier direction from the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee. The total quantum of water to be released during this period works out to 11.66 tmcft.

The order comes after Karnataka appealed for a reduction in the daily release to 6,000 cusecs, citing severe distress in its Cauvery basin. Karnataka submitted that cumulative inflows into its four reservoirs in the basin were about 49.18 per cent below the 30-year average. The state also highlighted that its own irrigation needs were unmet, with only 5.65 tmcft released for kharif crops against a normal requirement of 111.52 tmcft.

Karnataka further pointed out that it had already released excess water compared to the earlier CWMA order. Between July 29 and August 23, Biligundlu had received 18.748 tmcft against the ordered 15.940 tmcft, an excess release of 2.807 tmcft. The state expressed concern that rapidly declining inflows seriously constrained any further releases from its reservoirs.

On the other hand, Tamil Nadu claimed a backlog of 17.49 tmcft from Karnataka till August 23. It urged the CWMA to direct a total release of 28.386 tmcft for the period from August 24 to September 7, including the backlog and its pro-rata share of 10.896 tmcft.

Tamil Nadu also noted that it had already undertaken extensive kuruvai cultivation, on about 8.41 lakh acres, which depended on timely water releases. Karnataka countered that the weather forecast indicated an unfavourable monsoon for its region, while the forthcoming northeast monsoon was likely to benefit Tamil Nadu.

After hearing both sides, the CWMA directed Karnataka to release water at 9,000 cusecs per day for 15 days, effectively maintaining the earlier committee's order. The authority did not reduce the quantum as requested by Karnataka, nor did it accept Tamil Nadu's demand for a higher total release.

The Cauvery water-sharing dispute has been a long-standing issue between the two states. The CWMA was set up pursuant to a Supreme Court order and a subsequent central scheme to manage the allocation of Cauvery water. Its decisions are binding on the states concerned.

With the southwest monsoon showing irregular patterns, the release order is critical for farmers in Tamil Nadu's delta region. However, Karnataka's concerns over its own water scarcity and drinking water needs remain unresolved. The authority may reassess the situation after observing the northeast monsoon, as suggested by Karnataka.

Both states have been urged to comply with the order in the spirit of cooperative federalism. The next few days will be crucial for the water-sharing arrangement, with all eyes on the actual releases and the evolving monsoon situation.