Karnataka CM walks tightrope between farmer interests and law in Cauvery water row
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday underscored the dual responsibility of his government in the ongoing Cauvery water dispute — protecting the interests of farmers while strictly adhering to legal mandates. Speaking to reporters at Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, he said both objectives were equally important and could not be viewed in isolation.
Mr. Shivakumar pointed out that the reservoirs in the state were yet to reach full capacity, which posed a challenge for sustaining agricultural needs. At the same time, he emphasised that the rule of law had to be upheld. “If we do not follow the law, we may end up in a situation where control of the dam has to be handed over to the Central government,” he warned.
The Chief Minister explained that water-sharing arrangements during periods of shortage and distress are governed by separate rules. He claimed that the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) had already issued necessary directions in this regard. He expressed concern that any further reduction in water availability in the dams could lead to “unnecessary hardship”, but hoped such a situation would not arise.
Stressing the need for cautious decision-making, Mr. Shivakumar said the availability of water for both drinking and agricultural purposes had to be kept in mind. He expressed hope for good rains and bountiful crops so that farmers would receive their due share. “Facing such water problems once every three years is a law of nature,” he observed.
On the religious front, the Chief Minister said he would instruct Deputy Commissioners, officials of the Department of Religious Endowments, and local MLAs to organise prayers for rain at Kiggalu, a place traditionally associated with such invocations. He noted that prayers from the people of the state were equally necessary to overcome the present crisis.
Addressing the contentious Mekedatu dam project, Mr. Shivakumar said the Supreme Court had stated that there was no objection to Karnataka constructing a dam within its own territory. He added that the Centre had also conveyed this position to Tamil Nadu MPs. Reassuring Tamil Nadu, he asserted that “the construction of Mekedatu will not affect the allocation of 177.25 tmcft of water annually earmarked for Tamil Nadu”.
The Cauvery water-sharing dispute has been a long-standing issue between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with both states staking claims over the river's waters. The CWMA, set up under the final award of the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal, oversees the release of water from Karnataka to Tamil Nadu. Periodic shortfalls due to erratic monsoons often trigger friction between the two states.
Mr. Shivakumar's remarks come at a time when Karnataka is facing a deficit in rainfall, raising concerns among farmers in the Cauvery basin. The state government has been treading carefully, balancing its legal obligations with the need to ensure that farmers are not left in distress. The Chief Minister's statement reflects an attempt to reassure all stakeholders while keeping room for negotiation and judicial remedies.
