Karnataka Faces Cauvery Water Dilemma, Says Shivakumar, Farmers’ Interests Top Priority

Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Sunday said the state faces a dual challenge of complying with the law on Cauvery water release to Tamil Nadu while protecting farmers’ livelihoods.

Speaking to reporters after visiting a temple at Bhagamandala in Kodagu district, Shivakumar said Karnataka’s reservoirs had not yet filled adequately and stressed that the government must balance drinking water and agricultural requirements with its obligations under the Cauvery water-sharing framework.

“Our dams have not filled yet. We have two big challenges: releasing water to Tamil Nadu, abiding by the law, and protecting our farmers,” he said, adding that the state’s interests would be safeguarded.

The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) had directed Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from August 12. The Cauvery Water Management Authority subsequently upheld the order. The Karnataka government has decided to challenge the CWMA’s direction in the Supreme Court.

Shivakumar appealed for good rainfall, saying adequate water availability was essential for crops and farmers’ livelihoods. He also warned that a prolonged crisis could create a situation where the state might have to surrender control of its dams to the Centre.

On the proposed Mekedatu project, Shivakumar said Karnataka would protect its interests and maintained that the project would not affect Tamil Nadu’s allocated share of 177.25 TMC of Cauvery water. He said separate formulas exist for sharing water during distress years.

The proposed Mekedatu project involves constructing a balancing reservoir near Kanakapura in Bengaluru South district for drinking water and power generation. Tamil Nadu has opposed it, arguing that the project could affect its water interests.

On the proposed legislation concerning unauthorised use of public property, Shivakumar said the measure was not aimed at the RSS or any particular organisation. He said all organisations would be allowed to conduct programmes after obtaining necessary government permission and complying with the law.

He added that political parties and other organisations, including the BJP, Congress and JD(S), could hold programmes within the legal framework.