Tamil Nadu has approached the Supreme Court with an urgent petition against the Congress-led Karnataka government over the Cauvery water dispute. The state alleged that Karnataka has not released adequate water to Tamil Nadu even after directions from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
According to Tamil Nadu, the shortfall has already hit kuruvai paddy cultivation and could lead to drinking water stress. The issue has escalated again after several years, with the state saying the situation in the Cauvery delta is being severely impacted.
The CWMA had directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs per day for 15 days starting July 29. While Karnataka has reportedly not implemented the order, Tamil Nadu noted that surplus flows are reaching the state due to rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas.
In its plea, Tamil Nadu sought directions to ensure the release of 4.536 TMC at 3,500 cusecs from the Kabini and Krishna Raja Sagar reservoirs by August 12, and to ensure the flow reaches Biligundlu. It also asked for steps to address a reported deficit of 26.954 TMC at Biligundlu from June 1 to August 12 on a proportional basis as per Supreme Court rulings, along with closer monitoring of inflows to Karnataka reservoirs every 10 days.
The petition is expected to come up for hearing in the Supreme Court soon.
