Cauvery Water Row: Karnataka CM Urges Restraint as Kabini Reservoir Reaches Full Capacity
Amid a flood alert issued for the Kabini river, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday appealed to farmers' organisations and Kannada activist groups not to attempt to obstruct the flow of water from the Kabini reservoir. The appeal came on the day the reservoir reached full capacity following heavy rainfall in its catchment areas.
Speaking during his first visit to Mysuru after assuming office, Mr. Shivakumar said, “I am told the reservoir is filling up. We cannot hold the water back. Therefore, I appeal to the protesters not to enter the river, or make any attempt to stop the flow of water.” His statement was in response to the flood alert issued by the Executive Engineer of the Kabini dam, which warned of a possible release of 8,000 to 10,000 cusecs of water. The alert advised residents in downstream low-lying areas to take necessary precautions.
The Chief Minister’s appeal is set against the backdrop of a statewide bandh called by Kannada organisations on August 13 over the Cauvery water dispute. While defending the democratic right to protest, Mr. Shivakumar urged the organisers to reconsider the agitation, stating that it should not cause inconvenience to the public. “Protest is a democratic right, but it should not cause inconvenience to the people,” he said.
On the question of releasing water to Tamil Nadu, the Chief Minister did not give a direct answer. He stated that the government would first consult leaders of various political parties, elected representatives from the Cauvery basin, and members of the legal team at an all-party meeting convened in Bengaluru. A decision would be taken only after considering their views.
Notably, Mr. Shivakumar pointed out that the quantity of water recommended for release by the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) this year is lower than the quantity stipulated during the corresponding period last year. This observation comes amid directives from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) to release 3,500 cusecs of water per day for 15 days.
The Cauvery water-sharing issue has been a long-standing dispute between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with both states relying on the river for agricultural and drinking water needs. The release of water from Karnataka’s reservoirs to Tamil Nadu has often triggered protests in the state, particularly during periods of deficient rainfall.
As the Kabini reservoir reaches full capacity, the immediate concern for authorities is managing the excess water safely. The flood alert underscores the importance of ensuring that any obstruction to the river’s flow could exacerbate flooding in downstream areas, posing risks to lives and property.
The all-party meeting in Bengaluru is expected to deliberate on the state’s response to the CWMA’s directive, balancing legal obligations with the concerns of farmers and the public. The outcome of the meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps in the ongoing water-sharing dispute.
