Karnataka Defends Cauvery Stand, Seeks Postponement of TN CM's Visit

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Friday defended his government's handling of the Cauvery water dispute, appealed for calm amid protests, and urged Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Vijay Joseph to postpone his proposed August 3 visit to Bengaluru until the situation returns to normal.

The appeal follows the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) upholding the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) direction asking Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, triggering protests across parts of the state.

Shivakumar rejected the Opposition's allegations that Karnataka failed to present its case effectively before the CWMA, saying senior officials, legal advisers and the Advocate General had represented the state. He said the government had immediately challenged the order and mobilised support from MPs, Union ministers and leaders across party lines.

An all-party meeting on Sunday involving former chief ministers, MPs, Union ministers and legislators will decide the state's legal and political response. Appealing against bandhs, Shivakumar said protests would not help resolve the dispute and stressed that Karnataka remains committed to maintaining peace.

Making a strong pitch for the Mekedatu balancing reservoir-cum-drinking water project, Shivakumar said the proposed 66 TMC reservoir would primarily regulate water flows and generate about 400 MW of hydropower, while also benefiting Tamil Nadu. He maintained that the reservoir cannot be used for new irrigation projects in Karnataka and dismissed reports that the proposal had been rejected.

Meanwhile, the Centre informed Parliament that Karnataka's 2019 Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu project had been returned for revision in line with the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal award and Central Water Commission guidelines. It also clarified that the Supreme Court's 2018 judgment does not require Karnataka to obtain the consent of Tamil Nadu, Kerala or Puducherry before constructing the project, though the revised proposal will undergo due appraisal.

Shivakumar reiterated that Karnataka would continue pursuing legal remedies while seeking an amicable resolution through dialogue to safeguard the state's interests.